Carriers, formulations, methods for formulating unstable active agents for external application and uses thereof

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure teaches unique formulations for topical administration of tetracycline antibiotics, in which the tetracycline antibiotics remain stable.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The application is a continuation under 35 U.S.C. §120 of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/795,164, filed Jun. 7, 2012, which is a continuation of PCT/IB2008/03932, filed Dec. 8, 2008, which claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/103,500, filed on Oct. 7, 2008, entitled “Oil and Liquid Silicone Carriers and Formulations for External and Body Cavity Application of Active Agents and Uses Thereof,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/012,414, filed on Dec. 7, 2007, entitled “Carries, Formulations, Methods for Formulating Unstable Active Agents for External Application and Uses Thereof”, all of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to materials, carriers, formulations and methods for formulating unstable active agents in topical compositions, which are suitable, inter alia, for applying to the skin or to mucosal surfaces and can be used for treating topical, mucosal and or systemic disorders in mammals. The disclosure further relates to vehicles which are suitable, inter alia, for delivery for a wide range of active pharmaceutical and cosmetic agents and methods for their use.

BACKGROUND

The skin is the largest organ of a mammalian body, serving many important functions, such as regulating body temperature, maintaining water and electrolyte balance, and sensing painful and pleasant stimuli. The skin is adapted to keep dangerous substances from entering the body and provides a shield from the harmful effects of the sun. Any deterioration in skin health may have important consequences on a person's physical and mental health. Many teenagers suffer from acne, which is an inflammatory disease of the skin, caused by changes in the pilosebaceous units and results in scarring or hyperpigmentation of the skin. Several types of skin disorder manifest themselves as rashes and lead to itching. The itching and rashes may develop as the result of infection or irritation or from an immune system reaction. Additionally, the skin is prone to microbial infection and parasitic infestation.

External topical administration is an important route for the administration of drugs in both systemic and topical disease treatment. Many groups of drugs, including, for example, antibiotic, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anesthetic, analgesic, anti-allergic, corticosteroid, retinoid and anti-proliferative medications are preferably administered in hydrophobic media, namely ointment. However, ointments often form an impermeable barrier, thus in the treatment of a topical wound, metabolic products and excreta from these wounds to which they are applied are not easily removed or drained away. Furthermore, it is difficult for the active drug dissolved in the carrier to pass through the white petrolatum barrier layer into the wound tissue, so the efficacy of the drug is reduced. In addition, ointments and creams often do not create an environment for promoting respiration of the wound tissue and it is not favorable to the normal respiration of the skin. An additional disadvantage of petroleum jelly-based products relates to the greasy feeling left following their topical application onto the skin, mucosal membranes and wounds. A further problem of non aqueous compositions is achieving formulations in which the active agent is stable.

Some active agents are known to be generally unstable or susceptible to isomerisation or to breakdown, resulting in loss of activity and the use of stabilizers, anti oxidants antimicrobials and buffers and the like in aqueous compositions to protect active or cosmetic agents is known. The problems of protecting active pharmaceutical and cosmetic agents in waterless environments, such as polar compositions are multifold and can vary according to the type of waterless environment and the nature of the agent being used. It has been surprisingly found that factors like small levels of acid residues in the raw materials can be significant in influencing agent stability. Similarly, the presence of low levels of metal ions can act to catalyze reactions or breakdown. Likewise, the presence of agents in a waterless environment that results in ionization or leads to oxidation can act to cause reactions or breakdown. There is therefore a need for simple and elegant solutions to stabilize active ingredients in a waterless or substantially environment.

It would be particularly advantageous and there is an unmet need to have a waterless vehicle additive that is suitable for use not merely one type of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) but is adaptable for use with one or more API's from a wide range of different types of API's with relatively minimal or minor adjustment.

Foams and, in particular, foam emulsions are complicated systems which do not form under all circumstances. Changes in foam emulsion composition, such as by the addition of active ingredients may destabilize the foam. There is, therefore, a need for a foam composition, which provides desirable properties to the skin and can remain stable whilst accommodating a variety of active ingredients.

Formulations based on oil or ointment or emollients have a number of useful attributes making them suitable candidates for topical pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions including foamable compositions. They are inherently stable and inert which are clearly desirable characteristics. They are able to moisturize and soften the skin and in appropriate amounts can act as a protective or barrier layer and can form a barrier to water. By appropriate formulation they can act to improve drug delivery to the skin and yet remain resistant to being washed off. On the other hand they are by their nature greasy materials and can be difficult to formulate particularly into a topical foamable composition that can deliver substantially uniform and stable composition or foam that ameliorates or overcomes the look and feel of a greasy material, especially where that composition is waterless or substantially so. It is further a problem to incorporate into such a vehicle pharmaceutically effective amounts of one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients such that they are uniformly present throughout the formulation and are effectively delivered without the use of an alcohol in the formulation.

On one level it is far from simple or obvious to produce waterless foamable compositions that when released produce foams of quality suitable for pharmaceutical or cosmetic application. On a further level having realized a carrier that will produce a waterless foam of quality there is an additional difficulty to be overcome, namely how to adapt the formula and achieve a formulation, which can accept a range of various active pharmaceutical and cosmetic agents such that the composition and active agent are stable and the foam produced remains of quality. Specifically, one of the challenges in preparing such waterless or substantially waterless foamable compositions is ensuring that the active pharmaceutical or therapeutic agent does not react, isomerizes or otherwise break down to any significant extent during is storage and use. Particularly, there remains an unmet need for improved, easy to use, stable and non-irritating foam formulations, with unique therapeutic or beneficial properties containing a stable or stabilized active pharmaceutical or cosmetic agent.

There remains an unmet need for improved, easy to use, stable and non-irritating topical foam formulations containing a stable or stabilized active pharmaceutical or cosmetic agent having a therapeutic or beneficial effect, intended for treatment of dermal and mucosal tissues.

Systemic administration of active agents often leads to allergic responses, side effects and bacterial resistance to the active agents. There thus remains an unmet need for improved, easy to use, stable and non-irritating anti-infective foam formulations comprising active agents, intended for treatment, inter alia, of dermal and mucosal tissues. Particularly, there remains an unmet need for improved, easy to use, stable and non-irritating anti-infective foam formulations, with unique therapeutic properties.

Foams are complex dispersion systems which do not form under all circumstances. Slight shifts in foam composition, such as by the addition of active ingredients, may destabilize the foam. Foams are very complex and sensitive systems and are not formed at will. Mere addition of basic ingredients like oil, surfactant and propellant is far from sufficient to produce foams of quality that are homogenous, stable, breakable upon mechanical force and can be used to provide a shelf stable pharmaceutical or cosmetic composition. Small deviations may lead to foam collapse. Much consideration needs to be given to facilitate the introduction of an active agent, such as examining compatibility and non reactivity with the various excipients and container and determining shelf life chemical stability.

Neubourg (US 2006/0099151), for example, notes that the stability of foam is strongly dependent on the specific composition of the foam forming components, so that even small deviations in the composition may lead to a collapse of the foam. Gordon et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 3,456,052). also teaches that one cannot generate a good quality foam by simply adding a propellant to a mixture of components:

The term “foam” is a general term that encompasses a range of substances. Accordingly, the context in which “foam” is discussed must be examined carefully. The type and quality of the foam is of critical importance. There are many different types of foams and within each foam type there are many levels of qualities. For example, the froth on the head of beer, lather of shampoo, and lather of shaving cream have been loosely described as foam but all are different from one another. At one end of the cosmetic or pharmaceutical foam spectrum the foam can be long lasting and essentially not readily breakable like shaving foams. At the other end of the spectrum the foam can be quick breaking and collapses upon release.

Thermolabile foams are an example of type of quick breaking foam. They can contain significant amounts of thermolabile substances that aid their collapse upon being exposed to an increased temperature for example when applied to a body surface at 37 C. Upon being exposed to the higher temperature they collapse rapidly. Examples are foam formulations that comprise significant amounts of volatile solvents.

Breakable foam is a specialized type of foam. It is a low density foam that is stable on release at least in the short time span of several minutes, which facilitates application to a target area; but can break readily upon the application of shear force such as gentle rubbing to spread easily over a target surface. It is not thermolabile (and does not melt at skin temperature) and nor does it display late or long delayed expansion over minutes.

Some foams expand slowly whilst others do so quickly. Some foams foam immediately and some demonstrate delayed foaming. Some require mechanical lathering and some expulsion by propellant. Whilst they all fall under the so called term “foam” and may appear to have some common ingredients the results and properties of these products are different.

A suitable foamable formulation for a particular application may present challenges at several levels. For example, a foam formulation may require a stable pre foam formulation; a stable pre foam propellant formulation and ultimately delivery an effective measured amount of active agent to a target. Each of these objectives poses its own unique challenges.

The pharmaceutical and cosmetic foams discussed herein are generated in general terms by manufacturing a suitable foamable carrier composition and loading the carrier in a pressurized valved canister with an appropriate propellant. Upon expelling the canister contents a foam can be released. The type, nature and quality of the foam depends inter alia on the carrier composition, the active agent, the propellant and the method of manufacture and storage. Making a stable (physically and chemically) formulation that can be stored in a canister with a propellant that remains stable and can produce a breakable foam of quality on release is far from trivial.

An additional difficulty frequently encountered with propellant foams is their inability to dispense a uniform application of the medically active ingredient throughout the use of the entire aerosol container. This is particularly due to the fact that the active material is not stably dispersed in the foamable composition so that it will have a tendency to settle to the bottom. Further, the dispersed material will sometimes clog the spray dispensing valve to further interfere with the uniform dispensing of the medicament.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a topical antibiotic composition comprising a foamable pharmaceutical composition and a propellant, the foamable pharmaceutical composition comprising: a) about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of a tetracycline antibiotic; b) about 60% to about 95% by weight of: at least one oily emollient; at least one oil, wherein the oil is a liquid hydrocarbon-based oil; or a combination of at least one oily emollient and at least one oil; c) about 0.01% to about 15% by weight of at least one surfactant, wherein the surface active agent is an ester of a C8-C24 saturated hydrocarbon; d) optionally 0.01% to about 10% by weight of at least one foam adjuvant, wherein the foam adjuvant is a 14 C to 18 C fatty alcohol; and wherein the tetracycline antibiotic is chemically stable in the foamable pharmaceutical composition when stored for 72 hours at about at least 25° C. after mixing with the pharmaceutical composition; and wherein the weight ratio of the foamable pharmaceutical composition to the propellant is about 100:5 to about 100:35.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a topical antibiotic composition comprising a foamable pharmaceutical composition and a propellant, the foamable pharmaceutical composition comprising: a) about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of minocycline hydrochloride; b) about 60% to about 95% by weight of: at least one emollient selected from the group consisting of PPG-15 stearyl ether, octyldodecanol, diisopropyl adipate, and Cetearyl Octanoate; at least one oil selected from the group consisting of Light mineral oil, MCT oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, jojoba oil, and peppermint oil; or a combination of at least one emollient and at least one oil; c) about 0.01% to about 15% by weight of at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of Glycerol monostearate, Sorbitan monostearate (Span 60), PEG 40 Stearate (Myrj 52), and PEG 100 Stearate (Myrj 59); d) optionally about 0% to about 10% by weight of at least one foam adjuvant selected from the group consisting of Oleyl alcohol, Stearyl alcohol, Myristyl alcohol and Cocoglycerides; and wherein the minocycline hydrochloride is chemically stable in the foamable pharmaceutical composition when stored for 72 hours at about at least 25° C. after mixing with the carrier or with the agent; and wherein the weight ratio of the foamable pharmaceutical composition to the propellant is about 100:5 to about 100:35.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a topical antibiotic composition comprising a foamable pharmaceutical composition and a propellant, the foamable pharmaceutical composition comprising: a) about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of doxycycline hyclate; b) about 60% to about 95% by weight of: at least one emollient selected from the group consisting of PPG-15 stearyl ether, diisopropyl adipate, and Cetearyl Octanoate; at least one oil selected from the group consisting of mineral oil and MCT oil; or a combination of at least one emollient and at least one oil; c) about 0.01% to about 15% by weight of at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of Glycerol monostearate, Sorbitan monostearate (Span 60), hydrogenated castor oil, and PEG 100 Stearate (Myrj 59); d) optionally about 0% to about 10% by weight of at least one foam adjuvant selected from the group consisting of steryl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, isostearic acid and myrystyl alcohol, wherein the doxycycline hyclate is chemically stable in the foamable pharmaceutical composition when stored for 72 hours at about at least 25° C. after mixing with the foamable pharmaceutical composition; and wherein the weight ratio of the foamable pharmaceutical composition to the propellant is about 100:5 to about 100:35.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a topical antibiotic composition comprising a foamable pharmaceutical composition and a propellant, the foamable pharmaceutical composition comprising: a) about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of doxycycline monohydrate; b) about 60% to about 95% by weight of: at least one emollient selected from the group consisting of Cetearyl Octanoate, Cyclomethicone, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether, Propylene glycol, Octyldodecanol, Glycerol, Diisopropyl adipate, and isostearic acid; at least one oil selected from the group consisting of Light mineral oil, MCT Oil, and hydrogenated castor oil; or a combination of at least one emollient and at least one oil; c) about 0.01% to about 15% by weight of at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of Glycerol monostearate, Sorbitan monostearate (Span 60), and PEG 100 Stearate (Myrj 59); d) about 1% to about 10% by weight of at least one foam adjuvant selected from the group consisting of oleyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol and stearic acid wherein the doxycycline monohydrate is chemically stable in the foamable pharmaceutical composition when stored for 72 hours at about at least 25° C. after mixing with the foamable pharmaceutical composition; and wherein the weight ratio of the foamable pharmaceutical composition to the propellant is about 100:5 to about 100:35.

In some embodiments, the oily emollient is selected from the group consisting of Cetearyl Octanoate, Cyclomethicone, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether, Propylene glycol, Octyldodecanol, Glycerol, Diisopropyl adipate, and isostearic acid. In other embodiments, the oily emollient is selected from the group consisting of PPG-15 stearyl ether, octyldodecanol, diisopropyl adipate, isostearic acid, and cetearyl octanoate.

As used herein, an oil is a liquid hydrocarbon-based oil. Non-limiting examples of oils include plant-based oils, mineral oils, triglycerides, essential oils, and animal-based oils. Without being limited to any particular theory, oils are believed to be effective in the claimed formulations because they limit the potential for oxidation of the tetracycline antibiotics. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the oil is selected from the group consisting of plant-based oil, mineral oil, triglyceride, essential oil, and animal-based oil. In other embodiments, the oil is selected from the group consisting of light mineral oil, MCT oil, hydrogenated castor oil, jojoba oil, and peppermint oil.

In some embodiments, the surfactant is a stearic acid derived ester. In other embodiments the surfactant is monoglyceride, diglyceride, or triglyceride, wherein the side chain of the monoglyceride, diglyceride, or triglyceride is a C8-C24 saturated hydrocarbon. In still other embodiments the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of Glycerol monostearate, glycerol palmitostearate, Sorbitan monostearate (Span 60), PEG 40 Stearate (Myrj 52), and PEG 100 Stearate (Myrj 59).

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the foam adjuvant selected from the group consisting of oleyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol and cocoglycerides.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the tetracycline antibiotic is selected from the group consisting of minocycline hydrochloride, doxycycline hyclate, and doxycycline monohydrate.

In some embodiments, the topical antibiotic composition further comprises at least one of ethanol 95%, aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, titanium dioxide, coconut alcohol, and hexylene glycol.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, chemical stability is determined by observing a color change in the foamable pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments, chemical stability is determined by measuring at least about 90% by mass of the tetracycline antibiotic at 72 hours compared to time 0. In some embodiments, chemical stability is determined by measuring less than about 1% by mass of 4-epiminocylcine at 72 hours compared to time 0.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the topical antibiotic composition further comprises at about 0.1% to about 5% of a silicone oil. In some embodiments the silicone oil is cyclomethicone.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the topical antibiotic composition further comprises at least one additional active agent.

Also disclosed herein are methods of treating a bacterial infection comprising topically administering the topical antibiotic composition to a subject in need of treatment. In some embodiments, the topical antibiotic composition is administered to the skin, a mucosal membrane, or a body cavity. In other embodiments, the topical antibiotic composition is administered to a wound, an ulcer, or a burn.

Also disclosed herein are methods of treating and preventing post-surgical adhesions, the method comprising topically administering the topical antibiotic composition to a surgical site of a subject.

In some embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, the topical antibiotic composition further comprises at least one additional active agent.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the tetracycline antibiotic is chemically stable in the foamable pharmaceutical composition when stored for 72 hours at about at least 40° C., or at least about 50° C., after mixing with the pharmaceutical composition. In still other embodiments, the tetracycline antibiotic is chemically stable in the foamable pharmaceutical composition when stored for about 3 weeks at about at least 25° C., about at least 40° C., or about at least 50° C.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a graph presenting corneometer values generated using Cetaphil, PanOxyl, PMCH-017P, and no treatment on the skin of healthy volunteers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Many classes of materials may be used in topical pharmaceutical formulations, including emollients, oils, silicone oils, polymeric agents, surface-active agents (i.e., surfactants), solid matter agents, foam adjuvants, solvents, skin penetration enhancers, potent solvents, modulating agents, anti-oxidants, and radical scavengers. However, tetracycline antibiotics are susceptible to oxidation, and are thus generally chemically unstable in topical formulations. Therefore, chemically stable topical formulations of tetracycline antibiotics are generally challenging to prepare. To achieve foamable formulations using propellant that are both physically and chemically stable is a highly complex and unpredictable challenge.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a waterless foamable pharmaceutical composition suitable for external administration of minocycline, including:

-   -   at least one least one minocycline-compatible (MC) oily carrier;         and     -   at least one least one minocycline-compatible (MC) stabilizing         agent;

wherein the stabilizing agent selected from the group consisting of about 0.01% to about 25% by weight of at least one surface-active agent alone or in combination with a foam adjuvant; about 0% to about 5% by weight of at least one polymeric agent and mixtures thereof, wherein MC is defined by minocycline remaining substantially chemically stable, 72 hours after mixing with the carrier or with the agent.

By waterless is meant that the composition contains no or substantially no, free or unassociated or absorbed water. It will be understood by a person of the art that to the extent the waterless solvents and substances miscible with them of the present disclosure are hydrophilic they can contain water in an associated or unfree or absorbed form and may absorb water from the atmosphere and the ability to do so is its hygroscopic water capacity.

In one or more embodiments the carrier comprises an active pharmaceutical or cosmetic agent, which degrades in the presence of water, and in such cases the present of water in the composition is clearly not desirable. Thus, in certain preferred embodiments, the composition is waterless. In other embodiments the active agent may tolerate the presence of a small amount of water and the waterless composition is substantially non-aqueous. The term “substantially non-aqueous” is intended to indicate that the waterless composition has water content preferably below about 2%, such as below about 1.5%.

In some cases the foamable carrier further includes a liquefied or compressed gas propellant at a concentration of about 3% to about 25% by weight.

The waterless foamable pharmaceutical composition maybe substantially chemically stable, defined as demonstrating substantially no or minimal color change due to oxidation 72 hours after mixing with the carrier or agent when stored at about at least 25° C.

Additionally, “chemically stable” or “chemical stability” may be defined as demonstrating substantially no or minimal breakdown from oxidation 72 hours after mixing with the carrier or agent when stored at about at least 25° C. Substantially no or minimal breakdown may be determined using HPLC methods disclosed herein or other methods, where the mass of the compound is determined at time 0 (i.e., within about 1 hour after mixing with the carrier or foamable pharmaceutical composition) and about 72 hours after mixing, and wherein at least about 90% by mass of the compound is detected at about 72 hours compared to time 0. Alternatively, degradation products may be determined using HPLC methods disclosed herein or other methods, where the mass of the degradation products is determined at time 0 and about 72 hours after mixing, and wherein less than about 1% by mass of the compound in the mixture is degradation products. When the compound is minocycline, a suitable degradation product for purposes of determining “chemical stability” or “chemically stable” is 4-epiminocycline.

The minocycline may be provided in a substantially homogenous insoluble suspension.

The waterless foamable pharmaceutical composition may further include about 1 to about 2% minocycline hydrochloride.

The at least one oily carrier may be selected from an emollient, an oil and a foam adjuvant.

The emollient may be selected from cyclomethicone; isopropyl myristate, PPG-15 stearyl ether; octyldodecanol; Isohexadecanol, diisopropyl adipate; and Cetearyl Octanoate.

According to some embodiments, the oil is selected from hydrogenated castor oil and MCT oil.

Additionally, the foam adjuvant is selected from Oleyl alcohol, Stearyl alcohol, Myristyl alcohol and Cocoglycerides.

The surfactant may be selected from Glycerol monostearate, Polysorbate 80, Polysorbate 60, Sucrose distearate, Polyoxyl 20 Stearyl Ether, Polyoxyl 2 Stearyl Ether, Sorbitan monostearate, Ester HLB 11, GMS-PEG 100 Stearate, Polysorbate 80, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan monostearate (Span 60), Methy Glucose Sesquistearate, PEG 40 Stearate (Myrj 52), PEG 100 Stearate (Myrj 59), Montanov S, Glyceryl monostearate, and Sepigel 305.

Some embodiments include a waterless foamable pharmaceutical composition including:

-   -   6% to 80% by weight of at least one oily carrier selected from         the group consisting of Cyclomethicone, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether,         Octyldodecanol, Isohexadecanol, Diisopropyl adipate, Cetearyl         Octanoate, Light mineral oil, and Hydrogenated Castor Oil; and     -   0.01% to 25% by weight of at least one stabilizing agent         selected from the group consisting of Glycerol monostearate,         Polysorbate 60, Polysorbate 80, Sucrose distearate, Polyoxyl 20,         Stearyl Ether, Polyoxyl 2 Stearyl Ether, Sorbitan monostearate         (Span 60), Methy Glucose Sesquistearate, Myrj 52, Myrj 59,         Montanov S, Glyceryl monostearate and Sepigel 305.

A waterless foamable pharmaceutical composition may include:

-   -   10% to 80% by weight of at least one oily carrier selected from         the group consisting of Cyclomethicone, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether,         Propylene Glycol, Octyldodecanol, Glycerol, Diisopropyl adipate,         Cetearyl Octanoate, Light Mineral oil, and MCT oil; and     -   0.01% to 6% by weight of at least one stabilizing agent selected         from the group consisting of Glycerol monostearate, Sucrose         Ester HLB 11, GMS-PEG 100 Stearate, Polysorbate 80, Polysorbate         60, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan monostearate, Methy Glucose         Sesquistearate, PEG 40 Stearate (Myrj 52), PEG 100 Stearate         (Myrj 59), Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Steareth-2, Steareth-20,         Steareth-21 and Poloxamer 407 (20% gel).

Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a waterless foamable pharmaceutical composition which is substantially chemically stable, defined as demonstrating substantially no or minimal color change due to oxidation 72 hours after mixing with the carrier or agent.

According to some embodiments, the waterless foamable pharmaceutical composition is chemically stable, defined by showing substantially no or minimal breakdown one week after mixing with the carrier or agent.

According to some embodiments, the minocycline is in a substantially homogenous insoluble suspension.

The waterless foamable pharmaceutical composition may further include 3% to 25% by weight of a liquefied or compressed gas propellant.

According to some embodiments, the waterless foamable pharmaceutical composition may further include about 1 to about 2% minocycline hydrochloride.

Additionally, the at least one oily carrier is selected from an emollient, an oil and a foam adjuvant.

According to some embodiments, the emollient is selected from cyclomethicone, isopropyl myristate, PPG-15 stearyl ether; octyldodecanol, Isohexadecanol, diisopropyl adipate, and Cetearyl Octanoate.

According to some embodiments, the oil is selected from hydrogenated castor oil and MCT oil.

According to some embodiments, the foam adjuvant is selected from Oleyl alcohol, Stearyl alcohol, Myristyl alcohol and Cocoglycerides.

According to some embodiments, the surfactant is selected from Glycerol monostearate, Polysorbate 80, Polysorbate 60, Sucrose distearate, Polyoxyl 20 Stearyl Ether, Polyoxyl 2 Stearyl Ether, Sorbitan monostearate, Ester HLB 11, GMS-PEG 100 Stearate, Polysorbate 80, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan monostearate (Span 60), Methy Glucose Sesquistearate, PEG 40 Stearate (Myrj 52), PEG 100 Stearate (Myrj 59), Montanov S, Glyceryl monostearate, and Sepigel 305.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a waterless foamable pharmaceutical composition including:

-   -   6% to 80% by weight of at least one oily carrier selected from         the group consisting of Cyclomethicone, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether,         Octyldodecanol, Isohexadecanol, Diisopropyl adipate, Cetearyl         Octanoate, Light mineral oil, and Hydrogenated Castor Oil; and     -   0.01% to 25% by weight of at least one stabilizing agent is         selected from the group consisting of Glycerol monostearate,         Polysorbate 60, Polysorbate 80, Sucrose distearate, Polyoxyl 20,         Stearyl Ether, Polyoxyl 2 Stearyl Ether, Sorbitan monostearate         (Span 60), Methy Glucose Sesquistearate, Myrj 52, Myrj 59,         Montanov S, Glyceryl monostearate and Sepigel 305.

Other embodiments include a waterless foamable pharmaceutical composition including:

-   -   10% to 80% by weight of at least one oily carrier selected from         the group consisting of Cyclomethicone, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether,         Propylene Glycol, Octyldodecanol, Glycerol, Diisopropyl adipate,         Cetearyl Octanoate, Light Mineral oil, and MCT oil; and     -   0.01% to 6% by weight of at least one stabilizing agent selected         from the group consisting of Glycerol monostearate, Sucrose         Ester HLB 11, GMS-PEG 100 Stearate, Polysorbate 80, Polysorbate         60, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan monostearate, Methy Glucose         Sesquistearate, PEG 40 Stearate (Myrj 52), PEG 100 Stearate         (Myrj 59), Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Steareth-2, Steareth-20,         Steareth-21 and Poloxamer 407 (20% gel).

Yet further embodiments include a waterless foamable pharmaceutical suitable for external administration of doxycycline, including:

-   -   at least one doxycycline-compatible (DC) oily carrier; and     -   at least one doxycycline-compatible (DC) stabilizing agent;

wherein the stabilizing agent is selected from the group consisting of about 0.01% to about 25% by weight of at least one surface-active agent alone or in combination with a foam adjuvant; about 0% to about 5% by weight of at least one polymeric agent and mixtures thereof, and

wherein DC is defined by doxycycline remaining substantially chemically stable, 72 hours after mixing with the agent.

Further embodiments relate to a waterless foamable pharmaceutical composition wherein substantially chemically stable is defined as demonstrating substantially no or minimal color change due to oxidation 72 hours after mixing with the carrier or agent.

Further embodiments relate to a waterless foamable pharmaceutical composition, wherein substantially chemically stability is defined as demonstrating substantially no or minimal breakdown one week after mixing with the carrier or agent.

The doxycycline is a substantially homogenous insoluble suspension. The waterless foamable pharmaceutical composition may further include 3% to 25% by weight of a liquefied or compressed gas propellant.

In some cases the waterless foamable pharmaceutical composition further includes 0.5-2% doxycycline. For this purpose the at least one oily carrier may be selected from an emollient, an oil and a foam adjuvant. the emollient may be selected from cyclomethicone; isopropyl myristate, PPG-15 stearyl ether; propylene glycol; octyldodecanol; glycerol; diisopropyl adipate; and diisopropyl adipate; and the foam adjuvant may be selected from Oleyl alcohol, Stearic acid, Stearyl alcohol, Myristyl alcohol and Cocoglycerides. The oil may be selected from light mineral oil and MCT oil. The at least one stabilizing agent is selected from a surfactant and a polymeric agent. The surfactant is selected from Glycerol monostearate, Sucrose Ester HLB 11; GMS-PEG 100 Stearate; Polysorbate 80; Polysorbate 60; Polysorbate 20; Sorbitan monostearate; Methy Glucose Sesquistearate; PEG 40 Stearate (Myrj 52); PEG 100 Stearate (Myrj 59); Hydrogenated Castor Oil; Steareth-2; Steareth-20; Steareth-21 and Poloxamer 407 (20% gel).

Preferred solvents for doxycycline and minocycline include octyl dodecanol, oleyl alcohol and PPG 15 stearyl ester. These compounds are monoalcohols and not polyols.

Further embodiments include a waterless foamable pharmaceutical composition, including:

-   -   6% to 80% by weight of the at least one oily carrier; and     -   0.01% to 25% by weight of the at least stabilizing agent.

Further embodiments include a waterless foamable pharmaceutical composition:

-   -   10 to 60% by weight of the at least one oily carrier; and     -   0.01% to 10% by weight of the at least stabilizing agent.

Further embodiments include a waterless foamable pharmaceutical composition, including:

-   -   10 to 60% by weight of the at least one oily carrier; and     -   0.01% to 6% by weight of the at least stabilizing agent.

Some compositions comprise at least one hydrophobic solvent selected from the group consisting of mineral oil, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl isostearate, diisopropyl adipate, diisopropyl dimerate, maleated soybean oil, octyl palmitate, cetyl lactate, cetyl ricinoleate, tocopheryl acetate, acetylated lanolin alcohol, cetyl acetate, phenyl trimethicone, glyceryl oleate, tocopheryl linoleate, wheat germ glycerides, arachidyl propionate, myristyl lactate, decyl oleate, ricinoleate, isopropyl lanolate, pentaerythrityl tetrastearate, neopentylglycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, isononyl isononanoate, isotridecyl isononanoate, myristyl myristate, triisocetyl citrate, octyl dodecanol, unsaturated or polyunsaturated oils, such as olive oil, corn oil, soybean oil, canola oil, cottonseed oil, coconut oil, sesame oil, sunflower oil, borage seed oil, syzigium aromaticum oil, hempseed oil, herring oil, cod-liver oil, salmon oil, flaxseed oil, wheat germ oil, evening primrose oils; and essential oils.

Some embodiments include silicone oils, such as, cyclomethicone, polyalkyl siloxane, polyaryl siloxane, polyalkylaryl siloxane, a polyether siloxane copolymer and a poly(dimethylsiloxane)-(diphenyl-siloxane) copolymer. In some embodiments, the silicone oil is cyclomethicone, cyclotetrasiloxane, cyclohexasiloxane, phenyltrimethicone, Dow corning 246 Fluid (d6+d5) (cyclohexasiloxane & cyclopentasiloxane), Dow Corning 244 Fluid (cyclotetrasiloxane), Cyclomethicone 5-NF (cyclopentasiloxane), stearyl dimethicone, phenyltrimethicone, cetyl dimethicone, caprylyl methicone, PEG/PPG 18/18 dimethicone, or dimethiconol.

According to some embodiments, the at least one surface active agent is selected from the group consisting of at least one non-ionic surfactant and at least one ionic surfactant.

In some cases, the at least one surface active agent is selected from the group consisting of polysorbate, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate, a polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester, Myrj 45, Myrj 49, Myrj 52 and Myrj 59; a polyoxyethylene alkylyl ether, polyoxyethylene cetyl ether, polyoxyethylene palmityl ether, polyethylene oxide hexadecyl ether, polyethylene glycol cetyl ether, brij 38, brij 52, brij 56 and brij W1, a sucrose ester, a partial ester of sorbitol, sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monolaurate a monoglyceride, a diglyceride, isoceteth-20 and a sucrose ester.

The foamable carrier may further including a foam adjuvant selected from the group consisting of a fatty alcohol, a fatty acid and a hydroxyl fatty acid.

According to some embodiments, wherein the foam adjuvant component may include at least one of the group consisting of Oleyl alcohol, Stearyl alcohol, Myristyl alcohol and Cocoglycerides.

According to some further embodiments, the foamable carrier may further include an additional component selected from the group consisting of an anti perspirant, an anti-static agent, a buffering agent, a bulking agent, a chelating agent, a colorant, a conditioner, a deodorant, a diluent, a dye, an emollient, fragrance, a humectant, an occlusive agent, a penetration enhancer, a perfuming agent, a permeation enhancer, a pH-adjusting agent, a preservative, a skin penetration enhancer, a sunscreen, a sun blocking agent, a sunless tanning agent, and a vitamin.

According to some embodiments, the foamable carrier may also include an additional active agent is selected from the group consisting of active herbal extracts, acaricides, age spot and keratose removing agents, allergen, analgesics, local anesthetics, antiacne agents, antiallergic agents, antiaging agents, antibacterials, antibiotic agents, antiburn agents, anticancer agents, antidandruff agents, antidepressants, antidermatitis agents, antiedemics, antihistamines, antihelminths, antihyperkeratolyte agents, antiinflammatory agents, antiirritants, antilipemics, antimicrobials, antimycotics, antiproliferative agents, antioxidants, anti-wrinkle agents, antipruritics, antipsoriatic agents, antirosacea agents antiseborrheic agents, antiseptic, antiswelling agents, antiviral agents, anti-yeast agents, astringents, topical cardiovascular agents, chemotherapeutic agents, corticosteroids, dicarboxylic acids, disinfectants, fungicides, hair growth regulators, hormones, hydroxy acids, immunosuppressants, immunoregulating agents, insecticides, insect repellents, keratolytic agents, lactams, metals, metal oxides, mitocides, neuropeptides, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, oxidizing agents, pediculicides, photodynamic therapy agents, retinoids, sanatives, scabicides, self tanning agents, skin whitening agents, asoconstrictors, vasodilators, vitamins, vitamin D derivatives, wound healing agents and wart removers.

According to some embodiments the antibiotic agent is selected from the group consisting of beta-lactam antibiotics, aminoglycosides, ansa-type antibiotics, anthraquinones, antibiotic azoles, antibiotic glycopeptides, macrolides, antibiotic nucleosides, antibiotic peptides, antibiotic polyenes, antibiotic polyethers, quinolones, antibiotic steroids, sulfonamides, tetracycline, dicarboxylic acids, antibiotic metals including antibiotic metal ions, oxidizing agents, substances that release free radicals and/or active oxygen, cationic antimicrobial agents, quaternary ammonium compounds, biguanides, triguanides, bisbiguanides and analogs and polymers thereof, naturally occurring antibiotic compounds, including antibiotic plant oils and antibiotic plant extracts and any one of the following antibiotic compounds: chlorhexidine acetate, chlorhexidine gluconate and chlorhexidine hydrochloride, picloxydine, alexidine, polihexanide, chlorproguanil hydrochloride, proguanil hydrochloride, metformin hydrochloride, phenformin, buformin hydrochloride, abomycin, acetomycin, acetoxycycloheximide, acetylnanaomycin, an actinoplanes sp. compound, actinopyrone, aflastatin, albacarcin, albacarcin, albofungin, albofungin, alisamycin, alpha-R,S-methoxycarbonylbenzylmonate, altromycin, amicetin, amycin, amycin demanoyl compound, amycine, amycomycin, anandimycin, anisomycin, anthramycin, anti-syphilis imune substance, anti-tuberculosis imune substance, antibiotic from Eschericia coli, antibiotics from Streptomyces refuineus, anticapsin, antimycin, aplasmomycin, aranorosin, aranorosinol, arugomycin, ascofuranone, ascomycin, ascosin, Aspergillus flavus antibiotic, asukamycin, aurantinin, an Aureolic acid antibiotic substance, aurodox, avilamycin, azidamfenicol, azidimycin, bacillaene, a Bacillus larvae antibiotic, bactobolin, benanomycin, benzanthrin, benzylmonate, bicozamycin, bravomicin, brodimoprim, butalactin, calcimycin, calvatic acid, candiplanecin, carumonam, carzinophilin, celesticetin, cepacin, cerulenin, cervinomycin, chartreusin, chloramphenicol, chloramphenicol palmitate, chloramphenicol succinate sodium, chlorflavonin, chlorobiocin, chlorocarcin, chromomycin, ciclopirox, ciclopirox olamine, citreamicin, cladosporin, clazamycin, clecarmycin, clindamycin, coliformin, collinomycin, copiamycin, corallopyronin, corynecandin, coumermycin, culpin, cuprimyxin, cyclamidomycin, cycloheximide, dactylomycin, danomycin, danubomycin, delaminomycin, demethoxyrapamycin, demethylscytophycin, dermadin, desdamethine, dexylosyl-benanomycin, pseudoaglycone, dihydromocimycin, dihydronancimycin, diumycin, dnacin, dorrigocin, dynemycin, dynemycin triacetate, ecteinascidin, efrotomycin, endomycin, ensanchomycin, equisetin, ericamycin, esperamicin, ethylmonate, everninomicin, feldamycin, flambamycin, flavensomycin, florfenicol, fluvomycin, fosfomycin, fosfonochlorin, fredericamycin, frenolicin, fumagillin, fumifungin, funginon, fusacandin, fusafungin, gelbecidine, glidobactin, grahamimycin, granaticin, griseofulvin, griseoviridin, grisonomycin, hayumicin, hayumicin, hazymicin, hedamycin, heneicomycin, heptelicid acid, holomycin, humidin, isohematinic acid, karnatakin, kazusamycin, kristenin, L-dihydrophenylalanine, a L-isoleucyl-L-2-amino-4-(4′-amino-2′, 6-cyclohexadienyl) derivative, lanomycin, leinamycin, leptomycin, libanomycin, lincomycin, lomofungin, lysolipin, magnesidin, manumycin, melanomycin, methoxycarbonylmethylmonate, methoxycarbonylethylmonate, methoxycarbonylphenylmonate, methyl pseudomonate, methylmonate, microcin, mitomalcin, mocimycin, moenomycin, monoacetyl cladosporin, monomethyl cladosporin, mupirocin, mupirocin calcium, mycobacidin, myriocin, myxopyronin, pseudoaglycone, nanaomycin, nancimycin, nargenicin, neocarcinostatin, neoenactin, neothramycin, nifurtoinol, nocardicin, nogalamycin, novobiocin, octylmonate, olivomycin, orthosomycin, oudemansin, oxirapentyn, oxoglaucine methiodide, pactacin, pactamycin, papulacandin, paulomycin, phaeoramularia fungicide, phenelfamycin, phenyl, cerulenin, phenylmonate, pholipomycin, pirlimycin, pleuromutilin, a polylactone derivative, polynitroxin, polyoxin, porfiromycin, pradimicin, prenomycin, Prop-2-enylmonate, protomycin, Pseudomonas antibiotic, pseudomonic acid, purpuromycin, pyrinodemin, pyrrolnitrin, pyrrolomycin, amino, chloro pentenedioic acid, rapamycin, rebeccamycin, resistomycin, reuterin, reveromycin, rhizocticin, roridin, rubiflavin, naphthyridinomycin, saframycin, saphenamycin, sarkomycin, sarkomycin, sclopularin, selenomycin, siccanin, spartanamicin, spectinomycin, spongistatin, stravidin, streptolydigin, streptomyces arenae antibiotic complex, streptonigrin, streptothricins, streptovitacin, streptozotocine, a strobilurin derivative, stubomycin, sulfamethoxazol-trimethoprim, sakamycin, tejeramycin, terpentecin, tetrocarcin, thermorubin, thermozymocidin, thiamphenicol, thioaurin, thiolutin, thiomarinol, thiomarinol, tirandamycin, tolytoxin, trichodermin, trienomycin, trimethoprim, trioxacarcin, tyrissamycin, umbrinomycin, unphenelfamycin, urauchimycin, usnic acid, uredolysin, variotin, vermisporin, verrucarin, metronidazole, erythromycin and analogs, salts and derivatives thereof.

According to some preferred embodiments, the antibiotic agent is a tetracycline. The tetracycline may be selected from minocycline and doxycycline.

There is thus provided according to some further embodiments of the present disclosure, a foamable pharmaceutical carrier for external administration of an unstable active agent, the carrier including:

-   -   10% to 80% by weight of at least one unstable active         agent-compatible (UAAC) solvent, selected from the group         consisting of an oily emollient, a higher alcohol, a polyol and         a polyol alkyl ether;     -   10% to 60% by weight of at least one unstable active         agent-compatible (UAAC) hydrophobic solvent;     -   0.01% to 6% by weight of at least one surface-active agent; and     -   3% to 25% by weight of a liquefied or compressed gas propellant.

There is thus provided according to some additional embodiments of the present disclosure, a foamable pharmaceutical composition for external administration of an unstable active agent, the composition including:

-   -   10% to 80% by weight of at least one unstable active         agent-compatible (UAAC) solvent, selected from the group         consisting of an oily emollient, a higher alcohol, a polyol and         a polyol alkyl ether;     -   10% to 60% by weight of at least one unstable active         agent-compatible (UAAC) hydrophobic solvent;     -   0.01% to 5% by weight of at least one surface-active agent;     -   0% to 5% by weight of at least one polymeric agent; and     -   at least one unstable active agent.

In some cases, the foamable pharmaceutical composition includes 3% to 25% by weight of a liquefied or compressed gas propellant.

According to some further embodiments, the at least one unstable active agent includes an antibiotic agent.

Preferably, the disclosed pharmaceutical composition disclosure has the following property: a foam quality of at least good up to excellent; and at least one other property selected from: specific gravity in the range of about 0.02 gr/mL to about 0.5 gr/mL; a foam texture of a very fine creamy foam consistency to a fine bubble structure consistency; a sustainability of more than 95% for at least one minute upon release thereof to a surface from an aerosol can; less than 20% sedimentation following ten minutes of centrifugation at 3000 g; and compatibility with the at least one unstable active agent, wherein the compatibility is defined as less than 20% oxidation of the at least one unstable active agent after 72 hours.

In some cases, the foamable pharmaceutical composition has at least four of the properties. In some other cases, the composition has all of the properties.

There is thus provided according to some additional embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for producing a foamable pharmaceutical carrier suitable for external administration of an unstable active agent, the method including:

-   -   testing compatibility of at least one solvent and the unstable         active agent so as to determine at least one unstable active         agent-compatible (UAAC) solvent; and     -   formulating the foamable pharmaceutical carrier from the at         least one unstable active agent-compatible (UAAC) solvent.

In some cases, the testing step includes determining whether the unstable active agent is at least partially oxidized in the at least one solvent within 72 hours.

There is thus provided, a method for producing a pharmaceutical composition for external administration of an unstable active agent, the method including:

-   -   testing compatibility of at least one solvent and the unstable         active agent so as to determine at least one unstable active         agent-compatible (UAAC) solvent; and     -   formulating the pharmaceutical composition from the at least one         unstable active agent-compatible (UAAC) solvent and the unstable         active agent.

In some cases the unstable active agent is an anti-infective agent. The anti-infective agent may be selected from the group consisting of an antibiotic agent, an antibacterial agent, an antifungal agent, an agent that controls yeast, an antiviral agent and an antiparasitic agent.

The pharmaceutical composition may sometimes include a combination of at least two active agents, or sometimes three agents.

There is thus provided, a method of treating a disorder of mammalian subject, including administering to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of the foamable pharmaceutical composition as described herein.

In some cases, the administering includes providing the composition to a target site. The target site may be selected from the group consisting of the skin, a body cavity, a mucosal surface, the nose, the mouth, the eye, the ear canal, the respiratory system, the vagina and the rectum.

The disorder may be selected from the group consisting of dermatological pain, dermatological inflammation, acne, acne vulgaris, inflammatory acne, non-inflammatory acne, acne fulminans, nodular papulopustular acne, acne conglobata, dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, fungal skin infections, viral skin infections, parasitic skin infections, skin neoplasia, skin neoplasms, pruritis, cellulitis, acute lymphangitis, lymphadenitis, erysipelas, cutaneous abscesses, necrotizing subcutaneous infections, scalded skin syndrome, folliculitis, furuncles, hidradenitis suppurativa, carbuncles, paronychial infections, rashes, erythrasma, impetigo, eethyma, yeast skin infections, warts, molluscum contagiosum, trauma or injury to the skin, post-operative or post-surgical skin conditions, scabies, pediculosis, creeping eruption, eczemas, psoriasis, pityriasis rosea, lichen planus, pityriasis rubra pilaris, edematous, erythema multiforme, erythema nodosum, grannuloma annulare, epidermal necrolysis, sunburn, photosensitivity, pemphigus, bullous pemphigoid, dermatitis herpetiformis, keratosis pilaris, callouses, corns, ichthyosis, skin ulcers, ischemic necrosis, miliaria, hyperhidrosis, moles, Kaposi's sarcoma, melanoma, malignant melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, poison ivy, poison oak, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, rosacea, purpura, moniliasis, candidiasis, baldness, alopecia, Behcet's syndrome, cholesteatoma, Dercum disease, ectodermal dysplasia, gustatory sweating, nail patella syndrome, lupus, hives, hair loss, Hailey-Hailey disease, chemical or thermal skin burns, scleroderma, aging skin, wrinkles, sun spots, necrotizing fasciitis, necrotizing myositis, gangrene, scarring, and vitiligo, chlamydia infection, gonorrhea infection, hepatitis B, herpes, HIV/AIDS, human papillomavirus (HPV), genital warts, bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, chancroid, granuloma Inguinale, lymphogranloma venereum, mucopurulent cervicitis (MPC), molluscum contagiosum, nongonococcal urethritis (NGU), trichomoniasis, vulvar disorders, vulvodynia, vulvar pain, yeast infection, vulvar dystrophy, vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN), contact dermatitis, pelvic inflammation, endometritis, salpingitis, oophoritis, genital cancer, cancer of the cervix, cancer of the vulva, cancer of the vagina, vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, anal and rectal disease, anal abscess/fistula, anal cancer, anal fissure, anal warts, Crohn's disease, hemorrhoids, anal itch, pruritus ani, fecal incontinence, constipation, polyps of the colon and rectum; and wherein the active agent is suitable for treating the disorder.

According to some embodiments, the active agent is selected from the group consisting of alclometasone dipropionate, amcinafel, amcinafide, amcinonide, beclomethasone, beclomethasone dipropionate, betamethsone, betamethasone benzoate, betamethasone dexamethasone-phosphate, dipropionate, betamethasone valerate, budesonide, chloroprednisone, chloroprednisone acetate, clescinolone, clobetasol, clobetasol propionate, clobetasol valerate, clobetasone, clobetasone butyrate, clocortelone, cortisone, cortodoxone, craposone butyrate, desonide, desoxymethasone, dexamethasone, desoxycorticosterone acetate, dichlorisone, diflorasone diacetate, diflucortolone valerate, difluorosone diacetate, difluprednate, fluadrenolone, flucetonide, flucloronide, fluclorolone acetonide, flucortine butylesters, fludroxycortide, fludrocortisone, flumethasone, flumethasone pivalate, flumethasone pivalate, flunisolide, fluocinolone, fluocinolone acetonide, fluocinonide, fluocortin butyl, fluocortolone, fluorometholone, fluosinolone acetonide, fluperolone, fluprednidene acetate, fluprednisolone hydrocortamate, fluradrenolone, fluradrenolone acetonide, flurandrenolone, fluticasone, halcinonide, halobetasol, hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone acetate, hydrocortisone butyrate, hydrocortisone cyclopentylpropionate, hydrocortisone valerate, hydroxyltriamcinolone, medrysone, meprednisone, .alpha.-methyl dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, methylprednisolone acetate, mometasone furoate, paramethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, pregnenolone, progesterone, spironolactone, triamcinolone, triamcinolone acetonide and derivatives, esters and salts thereof.

According to some further embodiments, the foamable pharmaceutical composition may include, by weight:

-   -   10-20% PPG-15 stearyl ether;     -   10-15% octyldodecanol;     -   40-70% light mineral oil;     -   1-5% cyclomethicone;     -   4-8% glyceryl monostearate;     -   4-8% stearyl alcohol; and     -   1-5% myristyl alcohol.

According to some further embodiments, the foamable pharmaceutical composition may include by weight 15% PPG-15 stearyl ether, 12% octyldodecanol, 54.46% light mineral oil, 3% cyclomethicone, 6% glyceryl monostearate, 6% stearyl alcohol, 2.5% myristyl alcohol, and 1.04% doxycycline monohydrate.

In some case, the foamable pharmaceutical composition further includes 3% to 25% by weight of a liquefied or compressed gas propellant.

According to some further embodiments, the foamable pharmaceutical composition includes, by weight:

-   -   10-20% PPG-15 stearyl ether;     -   10-15% octyldodecanol;     -   40-70% light mineral oil;     -   2-10% Sepigel 305;     -   1-5% cyclomethicone;     -   4-8% glyceryl monostearate;     -   4-8% stearyl alcohol; and     -   1-5% myristyl alcohol.

In some cases, the foamable pharmaceutical composition further includes 1-2% minocycline hydrochloride.

According to some additional embodiments, the foamable pharmaceutical composition includes, by weight about 15% PPG-15 stearyl ether, 12% octyldodecanol, 50.5% light mineral oil, 3% cyclomethicone, 6% glyceryl monostearate, 5% Sepigel 305, 6% stearyl alcohol, and 2.5% myristyl alcohol.

According to yet some further embodiments, the foamable pharmaceutical composition includes by weight about 15% PPG-15 stearyl ether; 12% octyldodecanol; 50.5% light mineral oil; 3% cyclomethicone; 6% glyceryl monostearate; 5% Sepigel 305; and 8.0% of Corn starch Derivative Aluminum free (DRY-FLO® AF).

According to some further embodiments, the foamable pharmaceutical composition includes by weight about 15% PPG-15 stearyl ether, 12% octyldodecanol, 49.33% light mineral oil, 3% cyclomethicone, 6% glyceryl monostearate, 3% Sepigel 305, 2.5% Myristyl alcohol and 8.0% of Corn starch Derivative Aluminum free (DRY-FLO® AF).

According to some further embodiments, the foamable pharmaceutical composition includes by weight about 42.21% PPG-15 stearyl ether, 42.21% light mineral oil, 6% glyceryl monostearate, and 2.5% cocoglycerides.

According to some further embodiments, the foamable pharmaceutical composition including, by weight about 42.21% PPG-15 stearyl ether; 42.21% light mineral oil; and 6% glyceryl monostearate.

There is thus provided according to some additional embodiments of the present disclosure, a foamable pharmaceutical composition for external administration of an unstable active agent, including:

-   -   at least one least one unstable active agent-compatible (UAAC)         solvent, is selected from the group consisting of an emollient,         an oil and a foam adjuvant; and     -   at least one surfactant.

According to yet some further embodiments, the unstable agent is doxycycline.

According to some further embodiments, the emollient is selected from cyclomethicone, isopropyl myristate, PPG-15 stearyl ether, propylene glycol, octyldodecanol, glycerol, diisopropyl adipate, and diisopropyl adipate.

According to yet some further embodiments, the foam adjuvant is selected from Oleyl alcohol, Stearic acid, Stearyl alcohol, Myristyl alcohol and Cocoglycerides.

According to some further embodiments, the oil is selected from light mineral oil and MCT oil.

According to yet some further embodiments, the surfactant is selected from Glycerol monostearate, Sucrose Ester HLB 11, GMS-PEG 100 Stearate, Polysorbate 80, Polysorbate 60, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan monostearate, Methy Glucose Sesquistearate, PEG 40 Stearate (Myrj 52), PEG 100 Stearate (Myrj 59), Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Steareth-2, Steareth-20, Steareth-21 and Poloxamer 407 (20% gel).

A foamable pharmaceutical composition, wherein the unstable agent is minocycline.

According to yet some further embodiments, the emollient is selected from cyclomethicone; isopropyl myristate, PPG-15 stearyl ether; octyldodecanol; Isohexadecanol, diisopropyl adipate; and Cetearyl Octanoate.

According to yet some further embodiments, the foam adjuvant is selected from Oleyl alcohol, Stearyl alcohol, Myristyl alcohol and Cocoglycerides.

According to yet some further embodiments, the foamable pharmaceutical composition the oil is selected from hydrogenated castor oil and MCT oil.

According to yet some further embodiments, the surfactant is selected from Glycerol monostearate, Polysorbate 80, Polysorbate 60, Sucrose distearate, Polyoxyl 20 Stearyl Ether, Polyoxyl 2 Stearyl Ether, Sorbitan monostearate, Ester HLB 11, GMS-PEG 100 Stearate, Polysorbate 80, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan monostearate (Span 60), Methy Glucose Sesquistearate, PEG 40 Stearate (Myrj 52), PEG 100 Stearate (Myrj 59), Montanov S, Glyceryl monostearate, and Sepigel 305.

In one or more embodiment, the foregoing formulations including an oily carrier are used with a tetracycline antibiotic such as doxycycline or minocycline for the treatment of acne. The use of an oil-based formulation for the treatment of acne runs counter to conventional approach, which avoid oily bases as exacerbating the underlying acne condition. In contrast, the current formulations moisturize and protect the skin. Initial investigations show that waterless hydrophobic preparations have a good “skin feel,” are quickly absorbed and are not tacky.

The present disclosure relates to a foamable pharmaceutical carrier suitable for external administration of an unstable active agent. Carrier pharmaceutical compositions comprising the carriers, methods for production thereof and methods of treatment using these carriers and compositions are described.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the foamable carrier, includes:

-   -   a) about 10% to about 80% by weight of at least one unstable         active agent-compatible (UAAC) solvent selected from the group         consisting of an oily emollient, a hydrophobic solvent, a higher         alcohol, a foam adjuvant, a polyol and a polyol alkyl ether; and     -   b) at least one surface-active agent;

All % values are provided on a weight (w/w) basis.

Upon release from an aerosol container, the foamable carrier forms an expanded foam suitable for administration to the skin, a body surface, a body cavity or a mucosal surface. The carrier is suitable for being formulated in a pharmaceutical composition with at least one active agent. In some cases, the at least one active agent comprises at least one unstable active agent.

The term “unstable active agent” means herein, an active agent which is oxidized and/or degraded within less than a day, and in some cases, in less than an hour upon exposure to air, light, skin or water under ambient conditions.

A moiety or phase such as, but not limited to, a molecule and liquid respectively, is deemed herein to be “unstable active agent-compatible (UAAC)” when, upon contact of the unstable active agent with the moiety or phase, the agent does not significantly (e.g., more than 20%) oxidize or degrade at room temperature and pressure (RTP) after one week, preferably three weeks time under ambient conditions.

Alternatively, a moiety or phase such as, but not limited to, a molecule and liquid respectively, is deemed herein to be “unstable active agent-compatible (UAAC)” when, upon contact of the unstable active agent with moiety or phase, the agent does not significantly (e.g., preferably more than 5%) oxidize or degrade after one day preferably one weeks time under ambient conditions.

The identification of a “solvent”, as used herein, is not intended to characterize the solubilization capabilities of the solvent for any specific active agent or any other component of the foamable composition. Rather, such information is provided to aid in the identification of materials suitable for use as a part in the foamable compositions described herein.

Polypropylene Glycol (PPG) Alkyl Ethers

In the context of the present disclosure, a polypropylene glycol alkyl ether (PPG alkyl ether) is a liquid, water-insoluble propoxylated fatty alcohol, having the molecular formula of RO(CH₂CHOCH₃)_(n); wherein “R” is a straight-chained or branched C₄ to C₂₂ alkyl group; and “n” is in the range between 4 and about 50.

(PPG alkyl ethers), are organic liquids that function as skin-conditioning agent in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations. They possess exceptional emollient effect, side by side with enhanced solvency properties, which facilitates solubilization of active agents in a composition comprising a PPG alkyl ether. PPG alkyl ethers offer the following advantages when used as a component in the foamable composition of the present disclosure:

-   -   Due to the polypropylene glycol moiety, PPG alkyl ethers possess         certain surface active properties and they assist in the         coupling of polar and non-polar oils in an emulsion formulation;     -   PPG alkyl ethers are non-occlusive; offering a long-lasting and         velvety feel;     -   They are chemically stable at extreme pH conditions;     -   Excellent solvency properties, particularly with difficult to         formulate active agents;     -   When combined with certain surfactants, such as Brij 72 and Brij         721, PPG alkyl ethers form oleosomes and/or liquid crystal         structures, which provide long lasting moisturization, excellent         spreading as well as prolonged hydration properties.

Exemplary PPG alkyl ethers include PPG-2 butyl ether, PPG-4 butyl ether, PPG-5 butyl ether, PPG-9 butyl ether, PPG-12 butyl ether, PPG-14 butyl ether, PPG-15 butyl ether, PPG-16 butyl ether, PPG-17 butyl ether, PPG-18 butyl ether, PPG-20 butyl ether, PPG-22 butyl ether, PPG-24 butyl ether, PPG-26 butyl ether, PPG-30 butyl ether, PPG-33 butyl ether, PPG-40 butyl ether, PPG-52 butyl ether, PPG-53 butyl ether, PPG-10 cetyl ether, PPG-28 cetyl ether, PPG-30 cetyl ether, PPG-50 cetyl ether, PPG-30 isocetyl ether, PPG-4 lauryl ether, PPG-7 lauryl ether, PPG-2 methyl ether, PPG-3 methyl ether, PPG-3 myristyl ether, PPG-4 myristyl ether, PPG-10 oleyl ether, PPG-20 oleyl ether, PPG-23 oleyl ether, PPG-30 oleyl ether, PPG-37 oleyl ether, PPG-50 oleyl ether, PPG-11 stearyl ether. Preferred PPG alkyl ethers according to the present disclosure include PPG-15 stearyl ether (also known as Earlamol E®, Unichema), PPG-2 butyl ether, PPG-9-13 butyl ether and PPG-40 butyl ether. PPG alkyl ethers can be incorporated in the foamable composition of the present disclosure in a concentration between about 1% and about 90%, preferably above 5%, above 10%, above 20%, above 30% and up to 60% PPG. More preferably between about 10% to about 20%.

PPG Stearyl Ethers

PPG stearyl ethers function as skin-conditioning and penetration agents in cosmetic formulations.

Polypropylene glycol stearyl ether 15, also known as polyoxypropylene 15 stearyl ether or as “PPG-15”, and having a CAS Registry No. of [25231-21-4], is a stearyl ether having about 15 propylene oxide units incorporated in its structure. PPG-15 stearyl ether is a clear liquid, soluble in mineral oil, isopropyl ethers, cottonseed oil, ethanol, isopropanol and hexadecyl alcohol, to name a few, and is particularly useful as a solvent of difficult to formulate ingredients, such as sunscreens, aluminum chlorhydrate salts and skin toners. It is insoluble in water, propylene glycol and glycerin. PPG-15 stearyl ether is an inert and highly stable compound.

PPG stearyl ether also functions as a coupling agent, allowing, for example, the compatibility of polar and non polar oils with ethanol and perfumes in after shave lotions. It is chemically stable at extreme pH levels and at the same time saturated, providing excellent shelf life stability.

Higher (Fatty) Alcohols

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the compositions and carriers comprise one or more higher alcohols. These generally exclude “lower alcohols”. The fatty alcohols are typically liquid at ambient temperature.

Fatty alcohols may defined as follows:

The fatty alcohols hereof have a melting point of 30° C. or less, preferably about 25° C. or less, more preferably about 22° C. or less.

The unsaturated fatty alcohols hereof are also nonvolatile. By nonvolatile what is meant is they have a boiling point at 1.0 atmospheres of at least about 260° C., preferably at least about 275° C., more preferably at least about 300° C.

Suitable fatty alcohols include unsaturated monohydric straight chain fatty alcohols, saturated branched chain fatty alcohols, saturated C8-C12 straight chain fatty alcohols, and mixtures thereof. The unsaturated straight chain fatty alcohols will typically have one degree of unsaturation. Di- and tri-unsaturated alkenyl chains may be present at low levels, preferably less than about 5% by total weight of the unsaturated straight chain fatty alcohol, more preferably less than about 2%, most preferably less than about 1%.

Preferably, the unsaturated straight chain fatty alcohols will have an aliphatic chain size of from C12-C22, more preferably from C12-C18, most preferably from C16-C18. Especially preferred alcohols of this type include oleyl alcohol and palmitoleic alcohol.

The branched chain alcohols will typically have aliphatic chain sizes of from C12-C22, preferably C14-C20, more preferably C16-C18. Exemplary branched chain alcohols for use herein include isostearyl alcohol, octyl dodecanol, and octyl decanol. Examples of saturated C8-C12 straight chain alcohols include octyl alcohol, caprylic alcohol, decyl alcohol, and lauryl alcohol. Furthermore, the higher alcohols may be selected from straight chain fatty alcohols, having 6 or more carbon atoms, which are liquid at ambient temperature, such as, but not limited to Hexanol, Octanol, Nonanol, Decanol; branched alcohols, such as: 2 Octanol (Capryl Alcohol), Undecanol (Undecyl Alcohol), 2 Butyl Octanol (Isolauryl Alcohol), Tridecyl Alcohol (Isotridecyl Alcohol), 2 Butyl Decanol, 2 Hexyl Octanol, Isomyristyl Alcohol, 2 Hexyl Decanol, Isocetyl Alcohol, 2 Octyl Decanol, 2 Hexyl Dodecanol, Isostearyl Alcohol, Isooctadecanol, Isooleyl Alcohol (unsaturated and branched), Isoarachidyl Alcohol, 2 Decyl Tetradecanol, Isolignoceryl Alcohol, 2 Decyl Tetradecanol, 2 Tetradecyl Octadecanol, 2 Tetradecyl Eicosanol, 2 Hexadecyl Octadecanol, 2 Hexadecyl Eicosanol; additionally unsaturated alcohols, such as Erucyl Alcohol, Linoleyl Alcohol, oleyl alcohol may be employed.

Polymeric Agent

The composition of the present disclosure contains a polymeric agent. It has been documented that the presence of a polymeric agent is necessary for the creation of foam, having fine bubble structure, which does not readily collapse upon release from the pressurized aerosol can. The polymeric agent serves to stabilize the foam composition and to control drug residence in the target organ. Preferably, the polymeric agent is soluble or readily dispersible in the polyol; or in the mixture of a polyol and an additional solvent.

Non-limiting examples of polymeric agents that are soluble or readily dispersible in propylene glycol are Hydroxypropylcellulose and carbomer (homopolymer of acrylic acid is crosslinked with an allyl ether pentaerythritol, an allyl ether of sucrose, or an allyl ether of propylene, such as Carbopol® 934, Carbopol® 940, Carbopol® 941, Carbopol® 980 and Carbopol® 981.

Other polymeric agents are suitable for use according to the present disclosure provided that they are soluble or readily dispersible in the polyol; or in the mixture of a polyol and an additional solvent, on a case by case basis.

Exemplary polymeric agents include, in a non-limiting manner, naturally-occurring polymeric materials, such as locust bean gum, sodium alginate, sodium caseinate, egg albumin, gelatin agar, carrageenin gum, sodium alginate, xanthan gum, quince seed extract, tragacanth gum, guar gum, cationic guars, hydroxypropyl guar gum, starch, amine-bearing polymers such as chitosan; acidic polymers obtainable from natural sources, such as alginic acid and hyaluronic acid; chemically modified starches and the like, carboxyvinyl polymers, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylic acid polymers, polymethacrylic acid polymers, polyvinyl acetate polymers, polyvinyl chloride polymers, polyvinylidene chloride polymers and the like.

Additional exemplary polymeric agents include semi-synthetic polymeric materials such as cellulose ethers, such as methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxy propylmethyl cellulose, methylhydroxyethylcellulose, methylhydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxyethylcarboxymethylcellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose carboxymethylhydroxyethylcellulose, and cationic celluloses. Polyethylene glycol, having molecular weight of 1000 or more (e.g., PEG 1,000, PEG 4,000, PEG 6,000 and PEG 10,000) also have gelling capacity and while they are considered herein as “secondary solvents”, as detailed herein, they are also considered polymeric agents.

Mixtures of the above polymeric agents are contemplated.

The concentration of the polymeric agent should be selected so that the composition, after filling into aerosol canisters, is flowable, and can be shaken in the canister. In one or more embodiments, the concentration of the polymeric agent is selected such that the viscosity of the composition, prior to filling of the composition into aerosol canisters, is less than 12,000 CPs, and more preferably, less than 10,000 CPs.

Surface-Active Agents

The composition further contains a surface-active agent. Surface-active agents (also termed “surfactants”) include any agent linking oil and water in the composition, in the form of emulsion. A surfactant's hydrophilic/lipophilic balance (HLB) describes the emulsifier's affinity toward water or oil. HLB is defined for non-ionic surfactants. The HLB scale ranges from 1 (totally lipophilic) to 20 (totally hydrophilic), with 10 representing an equal balance of both characteristics. Lipophilic emulsifiers form water-in-oil (w/o) emulsions; hydrophilic surfactants form oil-in-water (o/w) emulsions. The HLB of a blend of two emulsifiers equals the weight fraction of emulsifier A times its HLB value plus the weight fraction of emulsifier B times its HLB value (weighted average). In many cases a single surfactant may suffice. In other cases a combination of two or more surfactants is desired. Reference to a surfactant in the specification can also apply to a combination of surfactants or a surfactant system. As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art which surfactant or surfactant system is more appropriate is related to the vehicle and intended purpose. In general terms a combination of surfactants can be significant in producing breakable forms of good quality. It has been further discovered that the generally thought considerations for HLB values for selecting a surfactant or surfactant combination are not always binding for emulsions and moreover for waterless and substantially non aqueous carriers the usual guidelines are less applicable. For oil based waterless systems HLB values may have little significance other than to indicate the proportion of an amphiphilic molecule that is hydrophobic and therefore potentially more at home in an oil single phase environment. Surfactants can play a significant role in foam formation where the foamable formulation is a single phase composition.

In selecting a suitable surfactant or surfactant combination for use in the substantially single phase formulations described herein selection relates to a multiple of factors including but not limited to solubility and miscibility in the liquid oil and in the silicone to produce substantially a single phase; the ability to form foam of quality; the ability to stabilize the extruded foam; a HLB value which preferably suggests potential compatibility with the liquid oil and the silicone; and solubility of surfactant in the formulation.

In certain embodiments the surfactant can have thickening properties. In certain embodiments the surfactant can effect the viscosity of the pre foam formulation (PFF). In certain other embodiments the surfactant has little or no effect. The concentration of the surfactant agent in combination with the oil and silicone and other ingredients should be selected so that the composition, after filling into aerosol canisters, is flowable, and can be shaken in the canister. In one or more embodiments, the concentration of the surfactant agent is selected such that the viscosity of the composition, prior to filling of the composition into aerosol canisters, is less than 13,000 CPs, and more preferably, less than 10,000 CPs, preferably below about 9000, more preferably below about 6000 cps. In one or more embodiments average bubble size of the resultant foam should be below about 200 microns, preferably below 150 and more preferably below 100 microns; In one or more embodiments foam density is below about 0.2 preferably below about 0.1 g/ml. In one or more embodiments hardness of the resultant foam is in the range of about 5 to about 35.

According to one or more embodiments the composition contains a single surface active agent having an HLB value between about 2 and 9, or more than one surface active agent and the weighted average of their HLB values is between about 2 and about 9.

According to one or more embodiments the composition contains a single surface active agent having an HLB value between about 7 and 14, (preferably about 7 to about 12) or more than one surface active agent and the weighted average of their HLB values is between about 7 and about 14 (preferably about 7 to about 12).

According to one or more other embodiments the composition contains a single surface active agent having an HLB value between about 9 and about 19, or more than one surface active agent and the weighted average of their HLB values is between about 9 and about 19.

In a waterless or substantially waterless environment a wide range of HLB values may be suitable. In one or more embodiments the HLB may not play a role in a single phase system

Preferably, the composition contains a non-ionic surfactant. Nonlimiting examples of possible non-ionic surfactants include a polysorbate, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate, a polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester, Myrj 45, Myrj 49, Myrj 52 and Myrj 59; a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, polyoxyethylene cetyl ether, polyoxyethylene palmityl ether, polyethylene oxide hexadecyl ether, polyethylene glycol cetyl ether, steareths such as steareth 2, brij 21, brij 721, brij 38, brij 52, brij 56 and brij W1, a sucrose ester, a partial ester of sorbitol and its anhydrides, sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monolaurate, a monoglyceride, a fatty acid ester of glycerol, a mono, di or triglyceride of stearic acid, a mono, di or triglyceride of palmitic acid, a diglyceride, isoceteth-20 and mono-, di- and tri-esters of sucrose with fatty acids. In certain embodiments, suitable sucrose esters include those having high monoester content, which have higher HLB values. However, sorbitan esters are not used alone as primary surfactants. In an embodiment if present sorbitan esters are used in combination with one or more primary surfactants and functions as a secondary or co-surfactant.

In one or more embodiments the surfactant is selected to produce a foam of quality being of least of about good quality foam and preferably of excellent quality foam. In one or more embodiments the surfactant includes, a fatty acid ester of glycerol, such as a mono, di or tri fatty ester of stearic acid or palmitic acid or arachidic acid or beheneic acid. In one or more embodiments the surfactant is used on its own with the oil. In certain other embodiments the surfactant is used in combination with one or more other surfactants, such as, those listed below. In an embodiment the combination is, for example, glycerol monostearate and PEG 100 stearate. Other similar combinations are readily envisaged.

Glycerol Fatty Acid Esters

Fatty acid Ester Function Solubility (main) Comments Glyceryl Behenate Thickener, Practically Beheneic (C22) Not tested lubricant insoluble in oil and water Glyceryl Non ionic Soluble in oil Oleic (double Fairly Good monooleate Sufactant and practically bond in side Foam with insoluble in chain (C18) mineral oil and water silicone Glyceryl Non ionic Soluble in Stearic (C18) Good - monostearate emulsifying mineral oil and Excellent Foam (GMS) agent practically with mineral oil insoluble in and silicone oil water even though GMS and other fatty acid monoesters are not efficient emulsifiers. Glyceryl Sustained Practically Mixture of Excellent Foam Palmitostearate release, insoluble in mono (~<17%), with mineral oil lubricant mineral oil and di, and and silicone oil water triglycerides of even though C16 and C18 GMS and other fatty acids fatty acid monoesters are not efficient emulsifiers

In an embodiment the surfactant is an ether for example polyoxyethylene (26) glycerol ether.

In certain embodiments, surfactants are selected which can provide a close packed surfactant layer. To achieve such objectives combinations of at least two surfactants are selected. Preferably, they should be complex emulators and more preferably they should both be of a similar molecular type; for example, a pair of ethers, like steareth 2 and steareth 21, or a pair of esters, for example, PEG-40 stearate and polysorbate 80. Ideally, the surfactants can be ethers. In certain circumstances POE esters cannot be used and a combination of sorbitan laurate and sorbitan stearate or a combination of sucrose stearic acid ester mixtures and sodium laurate may be used. All these combinations due to their versatility and strength may also be used satisfactorily and effectively with ether formulations, although the amounts and proportion may be varied according to the formulation and its objectives as will be appreciated by a man of the art.

It has been discovered also that by using a derivatized hydrophilic polymer with hydrophobic alkyl moieties as a polymeric emulsifier such as pemulen it is possible to stabilize the emulsion better about or at the region of phase reversal tension. Other types of derivatized polymers like silicone copolymers, derivatized starch [Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate (ASOS)]/[DRY-FLO AF Starch], and derivatized dextrin may also a similar stabilizing effect.

A series of dextrin derivative surfactants prepared by the reaction of the propylene glycol polyglucosides with a hydrophobic oxirane-containing material of the glycidyl ether are highly biodegradable. [Hong-Rong Wang and Keng-Ming Chen, Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects Volume 281, Issues 1-3, 15 Jun. 2006, Pages 190-193].

Non-limiting examples of non-ionic surfactants that have HLB of about 7 to about 12 include steareth 2 (HLB˜4.9); glyceryl monostearate/PEG 100 stearate (Av HLB˜11.2); stearate Laureth 4 (HLB˜9.7) and cetomacrogol ether (e.g., polyethylene glycol 1000 monocetyl ether).

Non-limiting examples of preferred surfactants, which have a HLB of 4-19 are set out in the Table below:

Surfactant HLB steareth 2 ~4.9 glyceryl monostearate/PEG 100 stearate Av ~11.2 Glyceryl Stearate ~4 Steareth-21 ~15.5 peg 40 stearate ~16.9 polysorbate 80 ~15 sorbitan stearate ~4.7 laureth 4 ~9.7 Sorbitan monooleate (span 80) ~4.3 ceteareth 20 ~15.7 steareth 20 ~15.3 ceteth 20 ~15.7 Macrogol Cetostearyl Ether ~15.7 ceteth 2 (Lipocol C-2) ~5.3 PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate ~5.5 sucrose distearate (Sisterna SP30) ~6 polyoxyethylene (100) stearate ~18.8

Another component of the formulations of the present disclosure is Sepigel 305. Sepigel 305 comprises Polyacrylamide and C13-14 Isoparaffin and Laureth-7. It acts as a surfactant and as a thickening and emulsifying agent, and comes in a liquid, very easy to handle form. It requires neither premixing, nor high rate of shear nor neutralisation. Sepigel 305 can be used to emulsify all types of oil phase without heating, producing gel-cream with a rich, silky texture that are easy to apply and rapidly absorbed by the skin.

More exemplary stabilizing surfactants which may be suitable for use in the present disclosure are found below.

PEG-Fatty Acid Monoester Surfactants, such as:

Chemical name Product example name HLB PEG-30 stearate Myrj 51 >10 PEG-40 laurate Crodet L40 (Croda) 17.9 PEG-40 oleate Crodet O40 (Croda) 17.4 PEG-45 stearate Nikkol MYS-45 (Nikko) 18 PEG-50 stearate Myrj 53 >10 PEG-100 stearate Myrj 59, Arlacel 165 (ICI) 19

PEG-Fatty Acid Diester Surfactants, such as:

Chemical name Product example name HLB PEG-4 dilaurate Mapeg .RTM. 200 DL (PPG), 7 Kessco .RTM.PEG 200 DL (Stepan), LIPOPEG 2-DL (Lipo Chem.) PEG-4 distearate Kessco .RTM. 200 DS 5 (Stepan.sub) PEG-32 dioleate Kessco .RTM. PEG 1540 DO 15 (Stepan) PEG-400 dioleate Cithrol 4DO series (Croda) >10 PEG-400 disterate Cithrol 4DS series (Croda) >10 PEG-20 glyceryl oleate Tagat .RTM. O (Goldschmidt) >10

Transesterification Products of Oils and Alcohols, such as:

Chemical name Product example name HLB PEG-30 castor oil Emalex C-30 (Nihon Emulsion) 11 PEG-40 hydrogenated castor Cremophor RH 40 (BASF), 13 oil Croduret (Croda), Emulgin HRE 40 (Henkel)

Polyglycerized Fatty Acids, such as:

Chemical name Product example name LB Polyglyceryl-6 dioleate Caprol .RTM. 6G20 (ABITEC); 8.5 PGO-62 (Calgene), PLUROL OLEIQUE CC 497 (Gattefosse)Hodag

PEG-Sorbitan Fatty Acid Esters, such as:

Chemical name Product example name HLB PEG-20 sorbitan monolaurate Tween-20 (Atlas/ICI), Crillet 1 17 (Croda), DACOL MLS 20 (Condea) PEG-20 sorbitan Tween 40 (Atlas/ICI), Crillet 2 16 Monopalmitate (Croda) PEG-20 sorbitan Tween-60 (Atlas/ICI), Crillet 3 15 monostearate (Croda) PEG-20 sorbitan monooleate Tween-80 (Atlas/ICI), Crillet 4 15 (Croda)

Polyethylene Glycol Alkyl Ethers, such as:

Chemical name Product example name HLB PEG-2 oleyl ether oleth-2 Brij 92/93 (Atlas/ICI) 4.9 PEG-3 oleyl ether oleth-3 Volpo 3 (Croda) <10 PEG-5 oleyl ether oleth-5 Volpo 5 (Croda) <10 PEG-10 oleyl ether oleth-10 Volpo 10 (Croda), Brij 12 96/97 (Atlas/ICI) PEG-20 oleyl ether oleth-20 Volpo 20 (Croda), Brij 15 98/99 (Atlas/ICI) PEG-4 lauryl ether laureth-4Brij 30 (Atlas/ICI) 9.7 PEG-23 lauryl ether laureth-23Brij 35 (Atlas/ICI) 17 PEG-10 stearyl ether Brij 76 (ICI) 12 PEG-2 cetyl ether Brij 52 (ICI) 5.3

Sugar Ester Surfactants, such as:

Chemical name Product example name HLB Sucrose distearate Sisterna SP50, Surfope 1811 11

Sorbitan Fatty Acid Ester Surfactants, such as:

Chemical name Product example name HLB Sorbitan monolaurate Span-20 (Atlas/ICI), Crill 1 8.6 (Croda), Arlacel 20 (ICI) Sorbitan monopalmitate Span-40 (Atlas/ICI), Crill 2 6.7 (Croda), Nikkol SP-10 (Nikko) Sorbitan monooleate Span-80 (Atlas/ICI), Crill 4 4.3 (Croda), Crill 50 (Croda) Sorbitan monostearate Span-60 (Atlas/ICI), Crill 3 4.7 (Croda), Nikkol SS-10 (Nikko)

In one or more embodiments the surface active agent is a complex emulator in which the combination of two or more surface active agents can be more effective than a single surfactant and provides a more stable formulation or improved foam quality than a single surfactant. For example and by way of non-limiting explanation it has been found that by choosing say two surfactants, one hydrophobic and the other hydrophilic the combination can produce a more stable emulsion than a single surfactant. Preferably, the complex emulator comprises a combination of surfactants wherein there is a difference of about 4 or more units between the HLB values of the two surfactants or there is a significant difference in the chemical nature or structure of the two or more surfactants.

Specific non limiting examples of surfactant systems are, combinations of polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, such as Brij 59/Brij 10; Brij 52/Brij 10; Steareth 2/Steareth 20; Steareth 2/Steareth 21 (Brij 72/Brij 721); combinations of polyoxyethylene stearates such as Myrj 52/Myrj 59; combinations of sucrose esters, such as Surphope 1816/Surphope 1807; combinations of sorbitan esters, such as Span 20/Span 80; Span 20/Span 60; combinations of sucrose esters and sorbitan esters, such as Surphope 1811 and Span 60; combinations of liquid polysorbate detergents and PEG compounds, such as Tween 80/PEG-40 stearate; methyl glucaso sequistearate; polymeric emulsifiers, such as Permulen (TRI or TR2); liquid crystal systems, such as Arlatone (2121), Stepan (Mild RM1), Nikomulese (41) and Montanov (68) and the like.

In certain embodiments the surfactant is preferably one or more of the following: a combination of steareth-2 and steareth-21 on their own or in combination with glyceryl monostearate (GMS); in certain other embodiments the surfactant is a combination of polysorbate 80 and PEG-40 stearate. In certain other embodiments the surfactant is a combination of glyceryl monostearate/PEG 100 stearate. In certain other embodiments the surfactant is a combination of two or more of stearate 21, PEG 40 stearate, and polysorbate 80. In certain other embodiments the surfactant is a combination of two or more of laureth 4, span 80, and polysorbate 80. In certain other embodiments the surfactant is a combination of two or more of GMS and ceteareth. In certain other embodiments the surfactant is a combination of two or more of steareth 21, ceteareth 20, ceteth 2 and laureth 4. In certain other embodiments the surfactant is a combination of ceteareth 20 and polysorbate 40 stearate. In certain other embodiments the surfactant is a combination of span 60 and GMS. In certain other embodiments the surfactant is a combination of two or all of PEG 40 stearate, sorbitan stearate and polysorbate 60.

In certain other embodiments the surfactant is one or more of sucrose stearic acid esters, sorbitan laureth, and sorbitan stearate.

Without being bound by any particular theory or mode of operation, it is believed that the use of non-ionic surfactants with significant hydrophobic and hydrophilic components, increase the emulsifier or foam stabilization characteristics of the composition. Similarly, without being bound by any particular theory or mode of operation, using combinations of surfactants with high and low HLB's to provide a relatively close packed surfactant layer may strengthen the formulation.

In one or more embodiments the stability of the composition can be improved when a combination of at least one non-ionic surfactant having HLB of less than 9 and at least one non-ionic surfactant having HLB of equal or more than 9 is employed. The ratio between the at least one non-ionic surfactant having HLB of less than 9 and the at least one non-ionic surfactant having HLB of equal or more than 9, is between 1:8 and 8:1, or at a ratio of 4:1 to 1:4. The resultant HLB of such a blend of at least two emulsifiers is preferably between about 9 and about 14.

Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, a combination of at least one non-ionic surfactant having HLB of less than 9 and at least one non-ionic surfactant having HLB of equal or more than 9 is employed, at a ratio of between 1:8 and 8:1, or at a ratio of 4:1 to 1:4, wherein the HLB of the combination of emulsifiers is preferably between about 5 and about 18.

In certain cases, the surface active agent is selected from the group of cationic, zwitterionic, amphoteric and ampholytic surfactants, such as sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, sodium methyl oleoyl taurate, sodium lauryl sulfate, triethanolamine lauryl sulfate and betaines.

Many amphiphilic molecules can show lyotropic liquid-crystalline phase sequences depending on the volume balances between the hydrophilic part and hydrophobic part. These structures are formed through the micro-phase segregation of two Many amphiphilic molecules can show lyotropic liquid-crystalline phase sequences depending on the volume balances between the hydrophilic part and hydrophobic part. These structures are formed through the micro-phase segregation of two incompatible components on a nanometer scale. Soap is an everyday example of a lyotropic liquid crystal. Certain types of surfactants tend to form lyotropic liquid crystals in emulsions interface (oil-in-water) and exert a stabilizing effect

In one or more embodiments the surfactant is a surfactant or surfactant combination is capable of or which tends to form liquid crystals. Surfactants which tend to form liquid crystals may improve the quality of foams. Non limiting examples of surfactants with postulated tendency to form interfacial liquid crystals are: phospholipids, alkyl glucosides, sucrose esters, sorbitan esters.

In one or more embodiments the at least one surface active agent is liquid. Moreover for the purposes of formulating with liquid ethers a liquid surfactant is preferred

In one or more embodiments the liquid surfactant is a polysorbate, preferably polysorbate 80 or 60.

In one or more embodiments the at least one surface active agent is solid, semi solid or waxy. In a further embodiment they are soluble in oil and in another embodiment have a HLB of less than about 12.

It should be noted that HLB values may not be so applicable to non ionic surfactants, for example, with liquid crystals or with silicones. Also HLB values may be of lesser significance in a waterless or substantially non-aqueous environment.

In one or more embodiments the surfactant can be, a surfactant system comprising of a surfactant and a co surfactant, a waxy emulsifier, a liquid crystal emulsifier, an emulsifier which is solid or semi solid at room temperature and pressure, or combinations of two or more agents in an appropriate proportion as will be appreciated a person skilled in the art. Where a solid or semi solid emulsifier combination is used it can also comprise a solid or semi solid emulsifier and a liquid emulsifier. In a preferred embodiment at least one surfactant is a liquid.

In one or more embodiments, the surface-active agent includes at least one non-ionic surfactant. Ionic surfactants are known to be irritants. Therefore, non-ionic surfactants are preferred in applications including sensitive tissue such as found in most mucosal tissues, especially when they are infected or inflamed. Non-ionic surfactants alone can provide formulations and foams of good or excellent quality in the carriers and compositions of the present disclosure.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the surface active agent, the composition contains a non-ionic surfactant. In another preferred embodiment the composition includes a mixture of non-ionic surfactants as the sole surface active agent. Yet, in additional embodiments, the foamable composition includes a mixture of at least one non-ionic surfactant and at least one ionic surfactant in a ratio in the range of about 100:1 to 6:1. In one or more embodiments, the non-ionic to ionic surfactant ratio is greater than about 6:1, or greater than about 8:1; or greater than about 14:1, or greater than about 16:1, or greater than about 20:1. In further embodiments, surface active agent comprises a combination of a non-ionic surfactant and an ionic surfactant, at a ratio of between 1:1 and 20:1

In one or more embodiments, a combination of a non-ionic surfactant and an ionic surfactant (such as sodium lauryl sulphate and cocamidopropylbetaine) is employed, at a ratio of between 1:1 and 20:1, or at a ratio of 4:1 to 10:1; for example, about 1:1, about 4:1, about 8:1, about 12:1, about 16:1 and about 20:1 or at a ratio of 4:1 to 10:1, for example, about 4:1, about 6:1, about 8:1 and about 10:1.

For foams in selecting a suitable surfactant or combination thereof it should be borne in mind that the upper amount of surfactant that may be used may be limited by the shakability of the composition. If the surfactant is non liquid, it can make the formulation to viscous or solid. Subject to its miscibily solid surfactants may be added first, and may require gentle warming and then cooling before being combined with the other ingredients. In general terms, as the amount of non-liquid surfactant is increased the shakability of the formulation reduces until a limitation point is reached where the formulation can become non shakable and unsuitable. Thus in one embodiment, any effective amount of surfactant may be used provided the formulation remains shakable. In other certain limited embodiments the upper limit for foamable formulations may be determined by flowability such that any effective amount can be used provided the formulation is sufficiently flowable to be able to flow through an actuator valve and be released and still expand to form a good quality foam. This may be due without being bound by any theory to one or more of a number of factors such as the viscosity, the softness, the lack of crystals, the pseudoplastic or semi pseudo plastic nature of the composition and the dissolution of the propellant into the composition.

In certain embodiments the amount of surfactant or combination of surfactants is between about 0.05% to about 20%; between about 0.05% to about 15%. or between about 0.05% to about 10%. In a preferred embodiment the concentration of surface active agent is between about 0.2% and about 8%. In a more preferred embodiments the concentration of surface active agent is between about 1% and about 6% or between about 1% and about 4%.

In some embodiments, it is desirable that the surface active agent does not contain a polyoxyethylene (POE) moiety, such as polysorbate surfactants, POE fatty acid esters, and POE alkyl ethers, because the active agent is incompatible with such surface active agents. For example, the active agent pimecrolimus is not stable the presence of POE moieties, yet benefits greatly from the use of dicarboxylic esters as penetration enhancers. In such cases, alternative surface active agents are employed. In an exemplary manner, POE—free surfactants include non-ethoxylated sorbitan esters, such as sorbitan monopalmitate, sorbitan monostearate, sorbitan tristearate, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan trioleate, sorbitan monolaurate and sorbitan sesquioleate; glycerol fatty acid esters, such as glycerol monostearate and glycerol monooleate; mono-, di- and tri-esters of sucrose with fatty acids (sucrose esters), sucrose stearate, sucrose distearate sucrose palmitate and sucrose laurate; and alkyl polyglycosides, such as lauryl diglucoside.

In one or more embodiments, the surface-active agent includes mono-, di- and tri-esters of sucrose with fatty acids (sucrose esters), prepared from sucrose and esters of fatty acids or by extraction from sucro-glycerides. Suitable sucrose esters include those having high monoester content, which have higher HLB values.

In one or more preferred embodiments of the present disclosure the surfactant includes at least one surfactant selected from a polyoxyethylene fatty ether, a polyoxyethylene fatty ester, a carbohydrate ester and a sucrose ester.

In one or more embodiments non limiting examples of non-ionic surfactants include steareth-2, steareth-20, steareth-21, ceteareth 2, PEG-100 stearyl ether, cetearyl glucoside, Methy Glucose Sesquistearate, sorbitan monostearate, GMS NE and span 20.

In one or more embodiments non limiting other examples of surfactant combinations are glyceryl stearate and PEG 100 stearate and laureth 4; steareth 2, PEG 100 stearate and laureth 4; and cetearyl glucoside and cetearyl alcohol.

In an embodiment the surfactant containing formulations are further boosted by a foam adjuvant for example stearyl alcohol.

A non limiting example of a combination of surfactants having a weighted average of their HLB values of 11 is Glyceryl Stearate and PEG-100 Stearate (for example trade name “simulsol 165” from Sepic).

Solid Matter Agents

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one active agent comprises solid matter or particulate matter i.e., material that is not soluble in the liquid carrier composition of the foamable composition. For definition purposes, solid matter shall mean material that is not soluble in the foamable composition more than 10% of the concentration intended to be included in said foamable composition. The concentration of the solid matter in the foamable composition is from about 0% to about 20% w/w. In one or more embodiments, the concentration of solid matter in the composition is from about 2% to about 16% w/w.

By way of non-limiting examples, the following classes of solid matter substances are presented:

Metallic oxides, such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, zirconium oxide, iron oxide. Preferably, as used in the present disclosure, titanium dioxide has an average primary particle size of from about 15 nm to about 100 nm, zinc oxide having an average primary particle size of from about 15 nm to about 150 nm, zirconium oxide having an average primary particle size of from about 15 nm to about 150 nm, iron oxide having an average primary particle size of from about 15 nm to about 500 nm, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment the metal oxides are present in the amount of from about 0.1% to about 20%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 16%, more preferably from about 1% to about 10%, of the composition. In yet another embodiment, such solids are micronized to form particles having primary size of less than 15 nm.

Silicon containing solid matter includes silicone oxide, also termed “silica”, “fumed silica” and “silica gel”, a white or colorless insoluble solid (SiO2); and talc, which is fine grained mineral consisting of hydrated magnesium silicate;

Carbon, for example in the form of amorphous carbon or graphite;

Oxidizing agents, such as benzoyl peroxide, calcium and magnesium hypochlorite;

Metallic Silver, in small particles, including nanocrystalline silver, which is used for antibacterial and wound healing purposes; other metal particles and mineral particles;

cosmetic scrub materials, including, for example meals of strawberry seeds, raspberry seeds, apricot seeds, sweet almond, cranberry seeds; and pigments, which are insoluble in the foamable composition.

Hydrophobic Solvent

Optionally, the foamable carrier further contains at least one hydrophobic solvent. The identification of a “hydrophobic solvent”, as used herein, is not intended to characterize the solubilization capabilities of the solvent for any specific active agent or any other component of the foamable composition. Rather, such information is provided to aid in the identification of materials suitable for use as a part in the foamable compositions described herein.

A “hydrophobic solvent” as used herein refers to a material having solubility in distilled water at ambient temperature of less than about 1 gm per 100 mL, more preferable less than about 0.5 gm per 100 mL, and most preferably less than about 0.1 gm per 100 mL.

In one or more embodiments, the hydrophobic organic carrier is an oil, such as mineral oil, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl isostearate, diisopropyl adipate, diisopropyl dimerate, maleated soybean oil, octyl palmitate, cetyl lactate, cetyl ricinoleate, tocopheryl acetate, acetylated lanolin alcohol, cetyl acetate, phenyl trimethicone, glyceryl oleate, tocopheryl linoleate, wheat germ glycerides, arachidyl propionate, myristyl lactate, decyl oleate, propylene glycol ricinoleate, isopropyl lanolate, pentaerythrityl tetrastearate, neopentylglycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, isononyl isononanoate, isotridecyl isononanoate, myristyl myristate, triisocetyl citrate, octyl dodecanol, unsaturated or polyunsaturated oils, such as olive oil, corn oil, soybean oil, canola oil, cottonseed oil, coconut oil, sesame oil, sunflower oil, borage seed oil, syzigium aromaticum oil, hempseed oil, herring oil, cod-liver oil, salmon oil, flaxseed oil, wheat germ oil, evening primrose oils; essential oils; and silicone oils, such as cyclomethicone, polyalkyl siloxanes, polyaryl siloxanes, polyalkylaryl siloxanes and polyether siloxane copolymers, and poly(dimethylsiloxane)-(diphenyl-siloxane) copolymers.

One class of hydrophobic solvents includes polyunsaturated oils, containing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are know to possess therapeutic properties through different modes of action. Examples of such polyunsaturated fatty acids are linoleic and linolenic acid, gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Thus, in one preferred embodiment of the present disclosure the at least one hydrophobic solvent comprises at least 6% of an oil selected from omega-3 oil, omega-6 oil, and mixtures thereof.

Another preferred class of hydrophobic solvents comprises the essential oils, which are considered “therapeutic oils”, which contain active biologically occurring molecules and, upon topical application, exert a therapeutic effect. Examples of such oils are rosehip oil, which contain retinoids and is known to reduce acne and post-acne scars, tea tree oil, which possesses anti-microbial activity including antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Other examples of essential oils are basil, camphor, cardamom, carrot, citronella, clary sage, clove, cypress, frankincense, ginger, grapefruit, hyssop, jasmine, lavender, lemon, mandarin, marjoram, myrrh, neroli, nutmeg, petitgrain, sage, tangerine, vanilla, verbena, as well as any other therapeutically beneficial oil known in the art of herbal medication.

Emollients

A further preferred class of solvents are “emollients” that have a softening, refatting, or soothing effect, especially when applied to body areas, such as the skin and mucosal surfaces. Emollients are not necessarily hydrophobic. Without derogating the generality of this definition, examples of suitable emollients for use include but are not limited to mineral oil, lanolin oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, olive oil, aloe vera extract, jojoba oil, castor oil, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, diisopropyl adipate, hydroxybenzoate esters, benzoic acid esters of C9 to C15 alcohols, isononyl iso-nonanoate, isopropyl myristate, silicone oils, polyethers, C12 to C15 alkyl benzoates, oleic acid, stearic fatty acid, cetyl alcohols, hexadecyl alcohol, dimethyl polysiloxane, polyoxypropylene cetyl ether, polyoxypropylene butyl ether, hexyleneglycol, propylene glycol, isostearic acid derivatives, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl isostearate, diisopropyl adipate, diisopropyl dimerate, maleated soybean oil, octyl palmitate, cetyl lactate, cetyl ricinoleate, tocopheryl acetate, acetylated lanolin alcohol, cetyl acetate, phenyl trimethicone, glyceryl oleate, tocopheryl linoleate, wheat germ glycerides, arachidyl propionate, myristyl lactate, decyl oleate, propylene glycol ricinoleate, isopropyl lanolate, pentaerythrityl tetrastearate, neopentylglycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, isononyl isononanoate, isotridecyl isononanoate, myristyl myristate, triisocetyl citrate, octyl dodecanol, sucrose esters of fatty acids, octyl hydroxystearate and, and derivatives, esters, salts and mixtures thereof. Examples of other suitable emollients may be found in the Cosmetic Bench Reference, pp. 1.19-1.22 (1996) and in similar publications. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the oily solvent component is an emollient.

In some embodiments, the emollients used in the present disclosure are oily emollients. Non-limiting examples of oily emollients include Cetearyl Octanoate, Cyclomethicone, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether, Propylene glycol, Octyldodecanol, Glycerol, Diisopropyl adipate, and isostearic acid.

Foam Adjuvant

Optionally, a foam adjuvant is included in the foamable carriers of the present disclosure to increase the foaming capacity of surfactants and/or to stabilize the foam. In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the foam adjuvant agent includes fatty alcohols having 15 or more carbons in their carbon chain, such as cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol (or mixtures thereof). Other examples of fatty alcohols are arachidyl alcohol (C20), behenyl alcohol (C22), 1-triacontanol (C30), as well as alcohols with longer carbon chains (up to C50). Fatty alcohols, derived from beeswax and including a mixture of alcohols, a majority of which has at least 20 carbon atoms in their carbon chain, are especially well suited as foam adjuvant agents. The amount of the fatty alcohol required to support the foam system is inversely related to the length of its carbon chains. Foam adjuvants, as defined herein are also useful in facilitating improved spreadability and absorption of the composition. In some embodiments, a foam adjuvant is a fatty alcohol having between 14 and 18 carbons in its carbon chain. In some embodiments, the foam adjuvant is oleyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, or myristyl alcohol. In some embodiments, the foam adjuvant is cocoglycerides.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the foam adjuvant agent includes fatty acids having 16 or more carbons in their carbon chain, such as hexadecanoic acid (C16) stearic acid (C18), arachidic acid (C20), behenic acid (C22), octacosanoic acid (C28), as well as fatty acids with longer carbon chains (up to C50), or mixtures thereof. As for fatty alcohols, the amount of fatty acids required to support the foam system is inversely related to the length of its carbon chain.

Optionally, the carbon atom chain of the fatty alcohol or the fatty acid may have at least one double bond. A further class of foam adjuvant agent includes a branched fatty alcohol or fatty acid. The carbon chain of the fatty acid or fatty alcohol also can be substituted with a hydroxyl group, such as 12-hydroxy stearic acid.

Polyol

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the solvent is a polyol. A polyol is an organic substance that contains at least two hydroxy groups in its molecular structure.

In one or more embodiments, the foamable carrier contains at least one diol (a compound that contains two hydroxy groups in its molecular structure). Examples of diols include propylene glycol (e.g., 1,2-propylene glycol and 1,3-propylene glycol), butanediol (e.g., 1,2-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol and 1,4-butanediol), butanediol (e.g., 1,3-butanediol and 1,4-butenediol), butynediol, pentanediol (e.g., pentane-1,2-diol, pentane-1,3-diol, pentane-1,4-diol, pentane-1,5-diol, pentane-2,3-diol and pentane-2,4-diol), hexanediol (e.g., hexane-1,6-diol hexane-2,3-diol and hexane-2,56-diol), octanediol (e.g., 1,8-octanediol), neopentyl glycol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol and dibutylene glycol.

In one or more embodiments, the foamable carrier contains at least one triol (a compound that contains three hydroxy groups in its molecular structure), such as glycerin, butane-1,2,3-triol, butane-1,2,4-triol and hexane-1,2,6-triol.

In one or more embodiments, the polyol is a mixture of polyols. In one or more embodiments, the mixture of polyols contains at least one diol and at least one triol. According to certain embodiments the ratio between the diol and triol is between 9:1 and 1:1.

In one or more embodiments, part of mixture of polyols is a saccharide. Exemplary saccharides include, but are not limited to monosaccharide, disaccharides, oligosaccharides and sugar alcohols.

A monosaccharide is a simple sugar that cannot be hydrolysed to smaller units. Empirical formula is (CH₂O)_(n) and range in size from trioses (n=3) to heptoses (n=7). Exemplary monosaccharide compounds are ribose, glucose, fructose and galactose.

Disaccharides are made up of two monosaccharides joined together, such as sucrose, maltose and lactose.

A sugar alcohol (also known as a polyol, polyhydric alcohol, or polyalcohol) is a hydrogenated form of saccharide, whose carbonyl group (aldehyde or ketone, reducing sugar) has been reduced to a primary or secondary hydroxyl group. They are commonly used for replacing sucrose in foodstuffs, often in combination with high intensity artificial sweeteners to counter the low sweetness. Some exemplary sugar alcohols, which are suitable for use according to the present disclosure are mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol, maltitol, lactitol. (Maltitol and lactitol are not completely hydrogenated compounds—they are a monosaccharide combined with a polyhydric alcohol). Mixtures of polyols, including (1) at least one polyol selected from a diol and a triol; and (2) a saccharide are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure.

Polyethylene Glycol

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the solvent consists of a polymerized ethylene glycol, namely polyethylene glycol, which is also termed “PEG”. Exemplary PEGs are provided in the following table.

Composition Av. Molecular weight Appearance Melting point (° C.) PEG 200 190~210 Oily liquid ? PEG 300 285~315 Oily liquid PEG 400 380~420 Oily liquid ? PEG 600 570~630 Oily liquid 17~22 PEG 1000  950~1050 Solid 35~40 PEG 4000 3800~4400 Solid 53~58 PEG 6000 5600~6400 Solid 55~60 PEG 8000 7500~8500 Solid 58~65

Thus, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the PEG is selected from the group consisting of PEG 200, PEG 300, PEG 400, PEG 600, PEG 1000, PEG 4000, PEG 6000 and PEG 8000. The foamable carrier according to the present disclosure can contain a single PEG or a mixture of two or more PEGs. PEGs having molecular weight of more that about 1000 possess gelling properties; i.e., they increase the viscosity of a composition. Therefore, by combining PEGs with different molecular weights/melting points, one can attain varying levels of flowability as desirable for the treatment of a given target site. The concentration of the PEG should be in a level that results in viscosity, prior to filling of the composition into aerosol canisters, of less than 12,000 CPs, and more preferably, less than 10,000 CPs.

Secondary Solvent

Optionally, a secondary solvent is added to the foamable composition of the present disclosure. The secondary solvent is selected from a variety of organic solvents that are typically miscible on both water and oil. Examples of solvent that can be contained in the foamable carrier of the present disclosure include dimethyl isosorbide, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol polyethyleneglycol ether (glycofurol), DMSO, pyrrolidones, (such as N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone and 1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidinone), ethyl proxitol, dimethylacetamide (DMAc), PEG-type surfactants and alpha hydroxy acids, such as lactic acid and glycolic acid.

Solubilization and Penetration Enhancement

In many cases, polyols, PEGs and solvents possess a high solubilizing power and thus, they can enable increased concentrations of a pharmaceutical active agent. Polyols, PEGs and solvents are also known for their skin penetration enhancement properties. These properties enable high drug bioavailability in the target area of treatment, resulting in an enhanced therapeutic effect. Occasionally, combinations of a polyol, PEGs and a secondary solvent, exhibit an increased permeability across the skin, as suggested, for example, in Eur J Pharm Biopharm. 1998 November; 46(3):265-71.

Thus, in one or more embodiments, the foamable carrier contains (1) at least one solvent, selected from a polyol (selected from a diol and a triol) and PEG; and (2) at least one secondary solvent.

In one or more embodiments, the foamable carrier contains (1) a mixture of at least two polyols; and (2) at least one secondary solvent. In additional embodiments, the foamable carrier contains a mixture of at least one polyol and at least one PEG; yet in other embodiments the foamable carrier contains (1) a mixture of at least one polyol and at least one PEG and (2) at least one secondary solvent.

According to certain embodiments the ratio between the polyol and/or PEG and the secondary solvent is between 9:1 and 1:1.

In certain embodiments, the polyol is selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, hexylene glycol and glycerin (and mixtures thereof); and the secondary solvent is selected from the group consisting of dimethyl isosorbide, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, a liquid polyethylene glycol and glycofurol.

In certain embodiments, the foamable carrier contains (1) at least one polyol; and (2) dimethyl isosorbide.

Substantially Alcohol Free

Lower or short chain alcohols, having up to 5 carbon atoms in their carbon chain skeleton, such as ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, iso-butanol, t-butanol and pentanol are considered less desirable solvents or co-solvents due to their skin-irritating effect. Thus, according to some embodiments, the composition is substantially alcohol-free i.e., free of short chain alcohols. In other embodiments, the composition comprises less than about 5% final concentration of lower alcohols, preferably less than 2%, more preferably less than 1%.

Skin Penetration Enhancer

A “skin penetration enhancer”, also termed herein “penetration enhancer,” is an organic solvent, typically soluble in both water and oil. Examples of penetration enhancer include polyols, such as glycerol (glycerin), propylene glycol, hexylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol n-alkanols, terpenes, di-terpenes, tri-terpenes, terpene-ols, limonene, terpene-ol, l-menthol, dioxolane, ethylene glycol, hexylene glycol, other glycols, sulfoxides, such as dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), dimethylformamide, methyl dodecyl sulfoxide, dimethylacetamide, dimethylisosorbide, monooleate of ethoxylated glycerides (with 8 to 10 ethylene oxide units), azone (1-dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one), 2-(n-nonyl)-1,3-dioxolane, esters, such as isopropyl myristate/palmitate, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, methyl proprionate, capric/caprylic triglycerides, octylmyristate, dodecyl-myristate; myristyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, lauric acid, lauryl lactate ketones; amides, such as acetamide oleates such as triolein; various alkanoic acids such as caprylic acid; lactam compounds, such as azone; alkanols, such as dialkylamino acetates, and admixtures thereof.

According to one or more embodiments, the penetration enhancer is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) or PEG derivative that is liquid at ambient temperature.

Suitable skin penetration enhancers include but are not limited to acetone, acyl lactylates, acyl peptides, acylsarcosinates, alkanolamine salts of fatty acids, alkyl benzene sulphonates, alkyl ether sulphates, alkyl sulphates, anionic surface-active agents, benzyl benzoate, benzyl salicylate, butan-1,4-diol, butyl benzoate, butyl laurate, butyl myristate, butyl stearate, cationic surface-active agents, citric acid, cocoamidopropylbetaine, decyl methyl sulfoxide, decyl oleate, dibutyl azelate, dibutyl phthalate, dibenzyl sebacate, dibutyl sebacate, dibutyl suberate, dibutyl succinate, dicapryl adipate, didecyl phthalate, diethylene glycol, diethyl sebacate, diethyl-m-toluamide, di(2-hydroxypropyl)ether, diisopropyl adipate, diisopropyl sebacate, N,N-dimethyl acetamide, dimethyl azelate, N,N-dimethyl formamide, 1,5-dimethyl-2-pyrrolidone, dimethyl sebacate, dimethyl sulphoxide, dioctyl adipate, dioctyl azelate, dioctyl sebacate, 1,4 dioxane, 1-dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one, dodecyl dimethyl amine oxides, ethyl caprate, ethyl caproate, ethyl caprylate, 2-ethyl-hexyl pelargonate, ethyl-2-hydroxypropanoate, ethyl laurate, ethyl myristate, 1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, ethyl salicylate, hexyl laurate, 2-hydroxyoctanoic acid, 2-hydroxypropanoic acid, 2-hydroxypropionic acid, isethionates, isopropyl isostearate, isopropyl palmitate, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, hexan-2,5-diol, khellin, lamepons, lauryl alcohol, maypons, metal salts of fatty acids, methyl nicotinate, 2-methyl propan-2-ol, 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 5-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, methyl taurides, miranol, nonionic surface-active agents, octyl alcohol, octylphenoxy polyethoxyethanol, oleic ethanolamide, pleyl alcohol, pentan-2,4-diol, phenoxyethanol, phosphatidyl choline, phosphine oxides, polyalkoxylated ether glycollates, poly(diallylpiperidinium chloride), poly(dipropyldiallylammonium chloride), polyglycerol esters, polyoxyethylene lauryl ether, polyoxy:polyoxyethylene stearate, polyoxypropylene 15 stearyl ether, poly(vinyl pyridinium chloride), propan-1-ol, propan-2-ol, propylene glycol dipelargonate, pyroglutamic acids, 2-pyrrolidone, pyruvic acids, Quaternium 5, Quaternium 18, Quaternium 19, Quaternium 23, Quaternium 31, Quaternium 40, Quaternium 57, quartenary amine salts, quaternised poly (dimethylaminoethylmethacryl-ate), quaternised poly (vinyl alcohol), sapamin hydrochloride, sodium cocaminopropionate, sodium dioctyl sulphosuccinate, sodium laurate, sodium lauryl ether sulphate, sodium lauryl sulphate, sugar esters, sulphosuccinate, tetrahydrofuran, tetrahydrofurfural alcohol, transcutol, triethanolamine dodecyl benzene sulphonate, triethanolamine oleate, urea, water and derivatives, esters, salts and mixtures thereof.

Potent Solvent

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the foamable composition includes a potent solvent, in addition to or in place of one of the hydrophobic solvents, polar solvents or emollients of the composition. A potent solvent is a solvent other than mineral oil that solubilizes a specific active agent substantially better than a hydrocarbon solvent such as mineral oil or petrolatum. For example, a potent solvent solubilizes the active agent 5 fold better than a hydrocarbon solvent; or even solubilizes the active agent 10-fold better than a hydrocarbon solvent.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the composition includes at least one active agent in a therapeutically effective concentration; and at least one potent solvent in a sufficient amount to substantially solubilize the at least one active agent in the composition. The term “substantially soluble” means that at least 95% of the active agent has been solubilized, i.e., 5% or less of the active agent is present in a solid state. In one or more embodiments, the concentration of the at least one potent solvent is more than about 40% of the at least one solvent of the composition of the present disclosure; or even more than about 60%.

Non-limiting examples of pairs of active agent and potent solvent include: Betamethasone valerate: Practically insoluble in mineral oil (<0.01%); soluble more than 1% in glycofurol; Hydrocortisone butyrate: Practically insoluble in mineral oil (<0.01%); soluble more than 1% in glycofurol; Metronidazole: Practically insoluble in mineral oil (<0.01%); soluble more than 1% in dimethyl isosorbide; Ketoconazole: Practically insoluble in mineral oil (<0.01%); soluble more than 1% in glycofurol, propylene glycol and dimethyl isosorbide; Mupirocin: Practically insoluble in mineral oil (<0.01%); soluble more than 1% in glycofurol, hexylene glycol, dimethyl isosorbide, propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400); Meloxicam, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent: Practically insoluble in mineral oil (<0.001%); soluble in propylene glycol: 0.3 mg/mL; and in PEG 400: 3.7 mg/mL; and Progesterone: Practically insoluble in mineral oil (<0.001%); soluble in PEG 400: 15.3 mg/mL.

A non-limiting exemplary list of solvents that can be considered as potent solvents includes polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, hexylene glycol, butanediols and isomers thereof, glycerol, benzyl alcohol, DMSO, ethyl oleate, ethyl caprylate, diisopropyl adipate, dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidone, N-hydroxyethylpyrrolidone, polyvinylpyrrolidone, isosorbide derivatives, such as dimethyl isosorbide, glycofurol and ethoxydiglycol (transcutol) and laurocapram.

The use of a potent solvent in a foam composition provides an improved method of delivering poorly soluble therapeutic agents to a target area. It is known that low drug solubility results in poor bioavailability, leading to decreased effectiveness of treatment. Foam compositions of the present disclosure, for which the solvent includes a potent solvent, increase the levels of the active agent in solution and thus, provide high delivery and improved therapy.

Potent solvents, as defined herein, are usually liquid. Formulations comprising potent solvents and active agents are generally disadvantageous as therapeutics, since their usage involves unwanted dripping and inconvenient method of application; resulting in inadequate dosing. Surprisingly, the foams of the present disclosure, which are drip-free, provide a superior vehicle for such active agents, enabling convenient usage and accurate effective dosing.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure the present disclosure the foamable pharmaceutical composition may additionally include a mixture of two or more of the solvents selected from the group of hydrophobic solvents, silicone oils, emollients, polar solvents and potent solvents in an appropriate proportion as would be appreciated to a person skilled in the art.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the PPG alkyl ether may act as a potent solvent

Modulating Agent

The term modulating agent is used to describe an agent which can improve the stability of or stabilize a carrier or a foamable composition and or an active agent by modulating the effect of a substance or residue present in the carrier or composition. The substance or residue may for example be acidic or basic and potentially alter an artificial pH in a waterless or substantially non aqueous environment or it may be one or more metal ions which may act as a potential catalyst in a waterless or substantially non aqueous environment or it may be an ionisation agent or it may be an oxidizing agent.

In one or more other embodiments the modulating agent is used in a waterless composition. In one or more embodiments the modulating agent is used in a substantially non aqueous composition

In one or more embodiments the modulating agent is used to describe an agent which can affect pH in an aqueous solution.

The agent can be any of the known buffering systems used in pharmaceutical or cosmetic formulations as would be appreciated by a man of the art. It can also be an organic acid, a carboxylic acid, a fatty acid an amino acid, an aromatic acid, an alpha or beta hydroxyl acid an organic base or a nitrogen containing compound.

In one or more further embodiments the modulating agent is used to describe an agent, which is a chelating or sequestering or complexing agent that is sufficiently soluble or functional in the waterless solvent to enable it to “mop up” or “lock” metal ions.

In the embodiment modulating agent is used to describe an agent which can effect pH in an aqueous solution the term modulating agent more particularly means an acid or base or buffer system or combinations thereof, which is introduced into or is present in and acts to modulate the ionic or polar characteristics and any acidity or basesity balance of a waterless or substantially non aqueous carrier, composition, foamable carrier or foamable composition or resultant foam of the present disclosure.

The substance or residue can be introduced into the formulation from any one or more of the ingredients, some of which themselves may have acidic or basic properties. For example the polymer or solvent may contain basic residues in which case it may be desirable or beneficial to add an acid. Alternatively the surfactant may contain some acid residues in which case the addition of a base may be desirable and beneficial. In some cases more than one ingredient may contain residues which may ameliorate or compound their significance. For example if one ingredient provided weak acid residues and another stronger acid residues the artificial pH in a waterless environment should be lower. In contrast, if one residue was acid and the other basic the net effect in the formulation maybe significantly reduced. In some circumstances the active ingredient may favor an acidic pH or more significantly may need to be maintained at a certain acidic pH otherwise it may readily isomerize, chemically react or breakdown, in which case introducing acidic components might be of help. Likewise in some circumstances the active ingredient may favor a basic pH or more significantly may need to be maintained at a certain basic pH otherwise it may readily hydrolyse, undergo rearrangement, isomerize, chemically react or breakdown, in which case introducing basic components might be of help. In an embodiment of the present disclosure sufficient modulating agent is added to achieve an artificial pH in which the active agent is preferably stable. Such artificial pH may be acidic, maybe basic or may be neutral.

The terms pH, pKa, and pKb, buffers and the like are used in classical measurements of an aqueous solution. Such measurements are artificial in a waterless environment. Nevertheless, reference to and description below of such terms are made for convenience and clarity, since such terms are well defined and understood with reference to aqueous solutions and further due to the lack of an appropriate uniform way of describing and identifying the artificial or virtual pH, pK etc in a waterless environment in relation to the present disclosure. Although predictions of artificial pH can be made using dilution techniques of measurements of waterless formulations diluted in water they are formulation sensitive and specific and have to be carefully calibrated with complex formulas.

Waterless medium can be polar and protic yet it does not conform to classical ionic behavior.

A buffer, as defined by Van Slyke [Van Slyke, J. Biol. Chem. 52, 525 (1922)], is “a substance which by its presence in solution increases the amount of acid or alkali that must be added to cause unit change in pH”.

A buffer solution is a solution of a definite pH made up in such a way that this pH alters only gradually with the addition of alkali or acid. Such a solution consists of a solution of a salt of the week acid in the presence of the three acid itself. The pH of the solution is determined by the dissociation equilibrium of the free acid.

An acid can be a strong acid or a weak acid. A strong acid is an acid, which is a virtually 100% ionized in solution. In contrast, a week acid is one which does not ionize fully when it is dissolved in water. The lower the value for pKa, the stronger is the acid and likewise, the higher the value for pKa the weaker is the acid.

A base can be a strong base or a weak base. A strong base is something, which is fully ionic with 100% hydroxide ions. In contrast, a weak base is one which does not convert fully into hydroxide ions in solution. The lower the value for pKb, the stronger is the base and likewise, the higher the value for pKb the weaker is the base.

In general terms, three factors, which influence the strength of a base, are firstly the ease with which the lone pair takes up a hydrogen ion; secondly, the stability of ions being formed and thirdly, the way they interact with water such that if they pick up hydrogen ion's more readily it is a stronger base.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the modulating or additional component is a pH adjusting agent or a buffering agent.

The modulating agent to the foamable composition of the present disclosure is useful for stabilizing pharmaceutical and cosmetic active agents which are unstable in certain pH conditions. It is known, for example, that active agents, which contain ester bond in their structure tend to undergo hydrolysis of the ester bond at basic pH levels. Therefore, the addition of an agent which avoids the formation of basic pH condition and thus, prevents degradation of such active agents. Many steroid compounds are known to undergo rearrangement at high pH, and again, adding an acidic modulating agent helps prevent such degradation. This is clearly exemplified by the stark difference in stability results for BMV in the absence and presence of a modulating agent as demonstrated in Examples 1 and 2 below. Another example of a pH-sensitive active agent is vitamin D, which degrades at low pH levels. In such a case, the addition of a basic modulating agent, such as triethanol amine is useful to maintain acceptable stability of this active agents as can be seen an exemplified in Example 5 below.

In certain cases, the stability of an active agent may be influenced by small quantities of, for example, metal ions in the waterless compositions. Such metal ions may act as a catalyst in facilitating the reaction or breakdown of the agent. Thus the modulating agent can be a chelating or sequestering or complexing agent on its own. In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure there is provided an effective amount of chelating agent which is sufficiently soluble or functional in the waterless solvent to enable it to “mop up” or “lock” metal ions.

For instance it is known that Polyphenols through the chelation of transition-metal ions, particularly those of iron and copper inhibit free radical formation and the propagation of free radical reactions (Brown et al. in Biochem. J 330, 1173 1178 (1998)). Citric acid, amino acids, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid also form chelates with metallic ions such as copper and iron, thus avoiding their catalytic action on the oxidation of lipids. Most of these chelating agents exhibit little or no antioxidant activity when used alone, and therefore they are considered as synergistic agents of other antioxidants. Thus, they increase, to a great extent, the action of primary antioxidants.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure the chelating agent is selected from the group consisting of acetyl trihexyl citrate, aminotrimethylene phosphonic acid, beta-alanine diacetic acid, bismuth citrate, calcium disodium edta, citric acid, cyclohexanediamine tetraacetic acid, diammonium citrate, dibutyl oxalate, diethyl oxalate, diisobutyl oxalate, diisopropyl oxalate, dilithium oxalate, dimethyl oxalate, dipotassium edta, dipotassium oxalate, dipropyl oxalate, disodium edta, disodium edta-copper, disodium pyrophosphate, edta, etidronic acid, hedta, methyl cyclodextrin, oxalic acid, pentapotassium, triphosphate, pentasodium aminotrimethylene phosphonate, pentasodium pentetate, pentasodium triphosphate, pentetic acid, phytic acid, potassium citrate, sodium citrate, sodium dihydroxyethylglycinate, sodium gluceptate, sodium gluconate, sodium hexametaphosphate, sodium metaphosphate, sodium metasilicate, sodium oxalate, sodium trimetaphosphate, tea-edta, tetrahydroxypropyl ethylenediamine, tetrapotassium etidronate, tetrapotassium pyrophosphate, tetrasodium edta, tetrasodium etidronate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, tripotassium edta, trisodium edta, trisodium hedta, trisodium nta, trisodium phosphate, malic acid, fumaric acid, maltol, succimer, penicillamine, dimercaprol, and desferrioxamine mesilate.]

Other authorized chelating agents are listed pursuant to annex 1, paragraph E.3.1 of regulation (EC) No 2003 (See Directive 67/548/EEC OJ 196, 16.8 1967, p 1) and are also incorporated herein by reference.

In one or more preferred embodiments of the present disclosure the chelating agent is selected from the group consisting of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (“EDTA”) and salts thereof such as disodium EDTA, tetrasodium EDTA and calcium disodium EDTA; diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (“DTPA”) and salts thereof; hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid (“HEDTA”) and salts thereof and nitrilotriacetic acid (“NTN”); more preferably EDTA, HEDTA and their salts; most preferably EDTA and its salts.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure a preferred non limiting example of the chelating agent is EDTA. Typically, the chelating and sequestering agent is present in the composition at a level of up to about 5.0%, preferably 1.0 percent, by weight, of the composition.

Combinations of Modulating Agents may be a useful aspect of the present disclosure. For example, as will be appreciated by a man of the art combinations of a strong acid and a weak base; a weak acid and a strong base: a weak acid and a strong acid; a weak base and a strong base; a weak base and a second weak base; and a weak acid and a second weak acid; may prove more effective in protecting or stabilizing an active agent in the waterless solvents of the present disclosure than a base or acid on its own. It will be understood that each of the active agents may have an artificial pH at which it can be more stable in a waterless composition. For example, ascorbic acid in aqueous solution is known to be more stable at an acidic pH of about 5.4. It is therefore desirable to add a combination of modulating agents in a waterless composition that will generate an artificial pH approximately of the order of or equivalent to that at which ascorbic acid is more stable in a waterless medium. In order to do so it will be appreciated a man of the art that that some adjustment will have to be made as ascorbic acid is itself a strong acid and displays the characteristics of a modulating agent. Similarly chelating agents may be usefully used in combination with another modulating agent such as an acid, a base or a buffer system or with various combinations of modulating agents.

The modulating agent to the foamable composition of the present disclosure is further useful for adjusting the pH of the target area of application. Skin is the first line of defense against all elements, such as microorganisms, wind, and pollutants, and it's the acid mantle, a fine film with a slightly acidic pH on the surface of the skin that provides protection for the skin. It plays a very important role as an integral part of the barrier function of the stratum corneum. Recent studies have demonstrated that increased enzyme activity of phospholipase A2 is related to the formation of the acid mantle in the stratum corneum. This combination makes the skin less permeable to water and other polar compounds. Normal skin surface pH is between 4 and 6.5 in healthy people, though it varies among the different areas of the skin. Newborn infants do have a higher skin surface pH compared to adults, but this normalizes within three days. Therefore, it is important to maintain skin surface pH in order to prevent susceptibility to bacterial skin infections or skin damage and disease. Thus, adding a modulating agent, which contributes to the stabilization of skin pH at the desirable level, is advantageous.

In the same fashion, adding an acidic modulating agent to a foamable composition, which is intended for vaginal application is advantageous, since the best protection against vaginal infection is attained in pH lower than 4.

While the organic modulating agent can serve to stabilize an active agent in the foam composition, it often provides additional therapeutic properties to the composition. The following table exemplifies, in a non-limiting fashion, the therapeutic benefits expected from an organic modulating agent. It is to be understood that this table provides a non-exhaustive list of modulating agents that possess therapeutic effects, however, many other compounds listed in the present specification also possess therapeutic benefits.

Exemplary therapeutic Class Examples properties Alpha hydroxy acids Lactic acid Humectant Glycolic acid Keratnocyte growth modifier Anti-psoriasis Anti acne Beta hydroxyl acid Salicylic acid Keratolytic Antiinflammatory Short chain carboxylic Propionic acid Antiinfective acid Butyric acid Fatty acids Nonanoic acid Hair growth stimulant Behenic acid Antiinflammatory Antiinfective Humectant Skin protection Unsaturated fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids Radical scavenger Omega-6 fatty acids Anti-oxidant Aromatic acids Benzoic acid Antiinflammatory Phthalic acid Anti-acne Nicotinic acid Anti-pigmentation Antiinfective Insect repellant Dicarboxylic acids Malonic acid, succinic Antiinflammatory acid, glutaric acid, Keratolytic adipic acid, pimelic Anti-acne acid, suberic acid, Anti-rosacea azelaic acid, sebacic Anti-pigmentation acid Amino acids Keratnocyte growth modifier Hair growth stimulant Sebum control Retinoids Retinoic acid Antiinflammatory Isotretinoin Keratolytic Anti-acne Anti-rosacea Anti-pigmentation Nitrogen containing Urea Humectant Keratolytic Anti-psiriasis

In an embodiment where the modulating agent is a buffer or pH adjuster surprisingly such modulating agents have been found to be incompatible with minocycline although they may in certain embodiments be compatible with doxycycline. In an embodiment the modulating agent is other than a buffer or pH modifier.

Anti-Oxidants/Radical Scavengers

In one or more embodiments, the modulating agent may also be a preservative or an antioxidant or an ionization agent. Any preservative, antioxidant or ionization agents suitable for pharmaceutical or cosmetic application may be used. Non limiting examples of antioxidants are tocopherol succinate, propyl galate, butylated hydroxy toluene and butyl hydroxy anisol. Ionization agents may be positive or may be negative depending on the environment and the active agent or composition that is to be protected. Ionization agents may for example act to protect or reduce sensitivity of active agents. Non limiting examples of positive ionization agents are benzyl conium chloride, and cetyl pyridium chloride. Non limiting examples of negative ionization agents are sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium lauryl lactylate and phospholipids.

A safe and effective amount of an anti-oxidant/radical scavenger may be added to the compositions of the subject disclosure, preferably from about 0.1% to about 10%, more preferably from about 1% to about 5%, of the composition.

Anti-oxidants/radical scavengers such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and its salts, ascorbyl esters of fatty acids, ascorbic acid derivatives (e.g., magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl sorbate), tocopherol (vitamin E), tocopherol sorbate, tocopherol acetate, other esters of tocopherol, butylated hydroxy benzoic acids and their salts, 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid (commercially available under the tradename Trolox.sup.®), gallic acid and its alkyl esters, especially propyl gallate, uric acid and its salts and alkyl esters, sorbic acid and its salts, lipoic acid, amines (e.g., N,N-diethylhydroxylamine, amino-guanidine), sulfhydryl compounds (e.g., glutathione), dihydroxy fumaric acid and its salts, lycine pidolate, arginine pilolate, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, bioflavonoids, curcumin, lysine, methionine, proline, superoxide dismutase, silymarin, tea extracts, grape skin/seed extracts, melanin, and rosemary extracts may be used.

In one or more embodiments the modulating agent is a flavonoid.

Flavonoids (or bioflavonoids) are a large group of polyphenolic antioxidant compounds, which often occur as glycosides and are ubiquitously present in foods of plant origin. Some flavonoids (e.g. quercetin, rutin) are available as dietary supplements. Flavonoids can be further subdivided into:

-   -   flavonols (e.g. kaemferol, quercetin and myricetin)     -   flavones (e.g. apigenin and luteolin)     -   flavonones (e.g. hesperetin, naringenin, eriodictyol)     -   flavan-3-ols (e.g. (+)-catechin, (+)-gallocatechin,         (−)-epicatechin, (−)-epigallocatechin)     -   anthocyanins (e.g. cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin,         pelargonidin, peonidin, petunidin)     -   proanthocyanidins.

More than 4000 flavonoids have been identified, and many have been studied. Most are colorless but some are responsible for the bright colors of many fruit and vegetables. Flavonoids are distinguished from the carotenoids.

Flavonoids appear to

-   -   act as scavengers of free radicals, including superoxide anions,         singlet oxygen, and lipid peroxyl radicals (they have         antioxidant properties);     -   sequester metal ions;     -   inhibit in vitro oxidation of LDL cholesterol;     -   inhibit cyclo-oxygenase, leading to lower platelet aggregation,         decreased thrombotic tendency and reduced anti-inflammatory         activity;     -   inhibit histamine release;     -   improve capillary function by reducing fragility of capillary         walls and thus preventing abnormal leakage; and     -   inhibit various stages of tumor development (animal studies         only).

The activities of flavonoids are dependent on their chemical structure. Estimates of dietary flavonoid intake vary from 10 to 100 mg daily, but may be several hundreds of milligrams a day. Dietary supplements of quercetin and rutin provide around 500 mg in a single dose.

Flavonoids may have a potential role in the prevention of CVD, cancer and cataracts and possibly other diseases, for anti-viral activity, and they may be useful in treating ulcers. include hemorrhoids, allergy, asthma, menopausal symptoms and the prevention of habitual abortion.

Quercetin

As a dietary supplement, quercetin is promoted for prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis and hyperlipidaemia, diabetes, cataracts, hay fever, peptic ulcer, inflammation, prevention of cancer and for treating prostatitis. A preliminary, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in chronic non-bacterial prostatitis showed that quercetin reduced pain and improved quality of life, but had no effect on voiding dysfunction.

Rutin

As a dietary supplement, rutin is used to reduce capillary permeability and treat symptoms of varicose veins. In combination with bromelain and trypsin, rutin is used to treat osteoarthritis.

A non limiting list of flavonoid compounds is: benzquercin, diosmin, ethoxazorutoside, flavodate, sodium hesperidin, leucocianidol, monoxerutin, oxerutin, quercetin, rutoside, rosmarinic acid. The above information was noted from Dietary Supplements, Electronic Version, Pharmaceutical Press 2007.

In an embodiment a single flavonoid is provided and in a further embodiment a combination of two or more flavonoid are provided. In certain embodiments the flavonoids act synergistically. In an embodiment water soluble flavonoids are combined with water insoluble flavonoids. It is known for example that whole polyphenolic extracts have greater antioxidant effect than their known individual components. In an embodiment flavonoids are used in combination with other phenolics. In an embodiment one or more flavonoids are provided in combination with one or more vitamins. In an embodiment flavonoids are provided that are more reactive than the vitamins. In an embodiment the flavonoids act as a conservational agent.

Microsponges

The Microsponges are rigid, porous and spongelike round microscopic particles of cross-linked polymer beads (e.g., polystyrene or copolymers thereof), each defining a substantially noncollapsible pore network. The Microsponges can be loaded with an active ingredient and can provide a controlled time release of the active ingredient to skin or to a mucosal membrane upon application of the formulation. The slow release is intended to reduce irritation by the active. Microsponge® delivery technology was developed by Advanced Polymer Systems. In one or more embodiments the composition comprises one or more active agents loaded into Microponges with a waterless carrier described herein which may comprise a modulating agent.

Humectant

A humectant, is a substance that helps retain moisture and also prevents rapid evaporation. Non limiting examples of suitable humectants are propylene glycol, propylene glycol derivatives, and glycerin. Further humectants include but are not limited to guanidine, urea, glycolic acid, glycolate salts, ammonium glycolate, quaternary alkyl ammonium glycolate, lactic acid, lactate salts, ammonium lactate, quaternary alkyl ammonium lactate, aloe vera, aloe vera gel, allantoin, urazole, alkoxylated glucose, hyaluronic acid, lactamide monoethanolamine, acetamide monoethanolamine and derivatives, esters, salts and mixtures thereof.

Other examples of humectants and moisturizers may be found in the Handbook of Pharmaceutical Additives published by Gower. Suitable ones for use with and soluble in the waterless compositions of the present disclosure may be selected as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art.

Moisturizers

A moisturizer, is a substance that helps retain moisture or add back moisture to the skin. Examples are allantoin, petrolatum, urea, lactic acid, sodium PCV, glycerin, shea butter, caprylic/capric/stearic triglyceride, candelilla wax, propylene glycol, lanolin, hydrogenated oils, squalene, sodium hyaluronate and lysine PCA. Glycerine and sodium pCA work in combination. Other examples may be found in the Handbook of Pharmaceutical Additives published by Gower.

Pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure may in one or more embodiments usefully comprise in addition a humectant or a moisturizer or combinations thereof.

Additional Components

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a composition of the present disclosure includes one or more additional components. Such additional components include but are not limited to anti perspirants, anti-static agents, buffering agents, bulking agents, chelating agents, cleansers, colorants, conditioners, deodorants, diluents, dyes, emollients, fragrances, hair conditioners, humectants, pearlescent aids, perfuming agents, permeation enhancers, pH-adjusting agents, preservatives, protectants, skin penetration enhancers, softeners, solubilizers, sunscreens, sun blocking agents, sunless tanning agents, viscosity modifiers and vitamins. As is known to one skilled in the art, in some instances a specific additional component may have more than one activity, function or effect.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the additional component is a pH adjusting agent or a buffering agent. Suitable buffering agents include but are not limited to acetic acid, adipic acid, calcium hydroxide, citric acid, glycine, hydrochloric acid, lactic acid, magnesium aluminometasilicates, phosphoric acid, sodium carbonate, sodium citrate, sodium hydroxide, sorbic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, and derivatives, salts and mixtures thereof.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the additional component is a humectant.

In an embodiment no preservative is added since the formulation is a waterless oil base formulation having an Aw (Water Activity) value of less than 0.5 which is below the level of microbial proliferation. In certain limited an embodiments, the additional component is an oil soluble preservative. Suitable preservatives include but are not limited to C12 to C15 alkyl benzoates, alkyl p-hydroxybenzoates, aloe vera extract, ascorbic acid, benzalkonium chloride, benzoic acid, benzoic acid esters of C9 to C15 alcohols, butylated hydroxytoluene, castor oil, cetyl alcohols, chlorocresol, citric acid, cocoa butter, coconut oil, diazolidinyl urea, diisopropyl adipate, dimethyl polysiloxane, DMDM hydantoin, ethanol, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, hexadecyl alcohol, hydroxybenzoate esters, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, isononyl iso-nonanoate, jojoba oil, lanolin oil, methylparaben, mineral oil, oleic acid, olive oil, polyoxypropylene butyl ether, polyoxypropylene cetyl ether, potassium sorbate, silicone oils, sodium propionate, sodium benzoate, sodium bisulfite, sorbic acid, stearic fatty acid, vitamin E, vitamin E acetate and derivatives, esters, salts and mixtures thereof.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the additional component is a skin penetration enhancer.

Propellants

Examples of suitable propellants include volatile hydrocarbons such as butane, propane, isobutane and fluorocarbon gases, or mixtures thereof.

In an embodiment the propellant is 1681, which is a mixture of propane, isobutene and butane. In another embodiment it is AP 70, which is a mixture of propane, isobutene and butane with a higher pressure.

The propellant makes up about 5-25 wt % of the foamable composition. In some circumstances the propellant may be up to 35%. The propellants are used to generate and administer the foamable composition as a foam. The total composition including propellant, foamable compositions and optional ingredients is referred to as the foamable composition.

Alcohol and organic solvents render foams inflammable. It has been surprisingly discovered that fluorohydrocarbon propellants, other than chloro-fluoro carbons (CMCs), which are non-ozone-depleting propellants, are particularly useful in the production of a non-flammable foamable composition. A test according to European Standard prEN 14851, titled “Aerosol containers—Aerosol foam flammability test” revealed that compositions containing an organic carrier that contains a hydrophobic organic carrier and/or a solvent, which are detected as inflammable when a hydrocarbon propellant is used, become non-flammable, while the propellant is an HFC propellant.

Such propellants include, but are not limited to, hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) propellants, which contain no chlorine atoms, and as such, fall completely outside concerns about stratospheric ozone destruction by chlorofluorocarbons or other chlorinated hydrocarbons. Exemplary non-flammable propellants according to this aspect of the disclosure include propellants made by DuPont under the registered trademark Dymel, such as 1,1,1,2 tetrafluoroethane (Dymel 134), and 1,1,1,2,3,3,3 heptafluoropropane (Dymel 227) 1,1, difluoro ethane (Dymel 152) and 1,1,1,3,3,3 hexafluoropropane HFCs possess Ozone Depletion Potential of 0.00 and thus, they are allowed for use as propellant in aerosol products.

Notably, the stability of foamable emulsions including HFC as the propellant can be improved in comparison with the same composition made with a hydrocarbon propellant.

In one or more embodiments foamable compositions comprise a combination of a HFC and a hydrocarbon propellant such as n-butane or mixtures of hydrocarbon propellants such as propane, isobutane and butane.

Hygroscopic Property of the Composition

A hydroscopic substance is a substance that absorbs water readily from its surroundings. Microorganisms require water to grow and reproduce, and such water requirements are best defined in terms of water activity of the substrate. The water activity of a solution is expressed as A_(w)=P/Po, where P is the water vapor pressure of the solution and Po is the vapor pressure of pure water at the same temperature. Addition of a hygroscopic substance to an aqueous solution in which a microorganism is growing will have the effect of lowering the Aw, with a consequent effect upon cell growth. Every microorganism has a limiting Aw, below which it will not grow, e.g., for streptococci, klebsiella spp., escherichia coli, clostridium perfringens, and pseudomonas spp. the _(A)w value is 0.95. Staphylococcus aureus is most resistant and can proliferate with an A_(w) as low as 0.86.

The water activity of a product can be determined from the relative humidity of the air surrounding the sample when the air and the sample are at equilibrium. Measurement is performed by placing a sample in an enclosed space where this equilibrium can take place. Once this occurs, the water activity of the sample and the relative humidity of the air are equal. The measurement taken at equilibrium is called an equilibrium relative humidity or ERH. The relationship between the water activity and ERH is in accordance with the following formula: A _(w)=ERH/100

Various types of water activity instruments are commercially available. One exemplary instrument uses chilled-mirror dewpoint technology while other instruments measure relative humidity with sensors that change electrical resistance or capacitance.

Polyols, PEGs and other solvents have a great affinity for water, and as such, they exhibit hygroscopic properties. The concentration of the polyol, the PEG and/or other solvents determines the Aw of the carrier. In one or more embodiments, the polyols, the PEG and/or the secondary solvent is contained in the composition of the present disclosure at a sufficient concentration to provide an A_(w) value of the hygroscopic carrier of less than 0.9. In other embodiments, the concentration of the polyol, the PEG and/or secondary solvent in the composition is selected to provide an A_(w) value selected from the ranges of (1) about 0.8 and about 0.9; (2) about 0.7 and about 0.8; and (3) less than about 0.7.

As such, a composition containing a polyol, a PEG with or without a secondary solvent can be used as topical treatment of superficial infectious conditions.

The advantage of providing a hygroscopic composition in a pressurized packaging presentation is readily perceived. The usage of all other presentations, such as solutions, creams, lotions, ointments and the like involves repeated opening of the package closure, resulting in absorption of water from the surrounding environment and a subsequent elevation of the A_(w) (thus lowering the hygroscopicity of the product, and therefore decreasing its anti-infective potential. By contrast, a pressurized packaging does not allow for any humidity to be absorbed by the preparation, and therefore, the hygroscopic character of the composition cannot be damaged.

In one or more embodiments, the hygroscopic composition of the present disclosure further contains an anti-infective agent, selected from the group of an antibiotic agent, an antibacterial agent, an antifungal agent, an agent that controls yeast, an antiviral agent and an antiparasitic agent. Combining the anti-infective effect of a hygroscopic composition, which acts through a dehydration mechanism, together with an additional anti-infective agent, that acts through alternate mechanisms, results in a synergistic effect and consequently higher success rate of the treatment.

Composition and Foam Physical Characteristics and Advantages

A pharmaceutical or cosmetic composition manufactured using the foamable carrier of the present disclosure is very easy to use. When applied onto the body surface of mammals, i.e., humans or animals, it is in a foam state, allowing free application without spillage. Upon further application of a mechanical force, e.g., by rubbing the composition onto the body surface, it freely spreads on the surface and is rapidly absorbed.

The foamable composition of the present disclosure is stable, having an acceptable shelf-life of at least one year, or preferably, at least two years at ambient temperature, as revealed in accelerated stability tests. Organic carriers and propellants tend to impair the stability of emulsions and to interfere with the formation of stable foam upon release from a pressurized container. It has been observed, however, that the foamable compositions according to the present disclosure are surprisingly stable. Following accelerated stability studies, they demonstrate desirable texture; they form fine bubble structures that do not break immediately upon contact with a surface, spread easily on the treated area and absorb quickly.

The composition should also be free flowing, to allow it to flow through the aperture of the container, e.g., and aerosol container, and create an acceptable foam.

Quantitative and Qualitative

Foam Quality

Foam quality can be graded as follows:

Grade E (excellent): very rich and creamy in appearance, does not show any bubble structure or shows a very fine (small) bubble structure, does not rapidly become dull; upon spreading on the skin, the foam retains the creaminess property and does not appear watery.

Grade G (good): rich and creamy in appearance, very small bubble size, “dulls” more rapidly than an excellent foam, retains creaminess upon spreading on the skin, and does not become watery.

Grade FG (fairly good): a moderate amount of creaminess noticeable, bubble structure is noticeable; upon spreading on the skin the product dulls rapidly and becomes somewhat lower in apparent viscosity.

Grade F (fair): very little creaminess noticeable, larger bubble structure than a “fairly good” foam, upon spreading on the skin it becomes thin in appearance and watery.

Grade P (poor): no creaminess noticeable, large bubble structure, and when spread on the skin it becomes very thin and watery in appearance.

Grade VP (very poor): dry foam, large very dull bubbles, difficult to spread on the skin.

Topically administrable foams are typically of quality grade E or G, when released from the aerosol container. Smaller bubbles are indicative of more stable foam, which does not collapse spontaneously immediately upon discharge from the container. The finer foam structure looks and feels smoother, thus increasing its usability and appeal.

Foam Physical Characteristics

In terms of foam consistency and texture an acceptable foam is one, that exhibits the following characteristics:

Upon release from an aerosol can, creates a foam mass, which is sustained on a surface for at least one minute, more preferably at least two minutes, and yet more preferably for at least 5 minutes.

Foam texture should vary from a very fine creamy foam to a fine bubble structure.

Foam has to have specific gravity in the range of about 0.02 gr/mL to about 0.5 gr/mL, more preferably between about 0.04 gr/mL and about 0.2 gr/mL

In terms of spreadability and absorption an acceptable foam is one, that does not readily collapse upon dispensing on the skin; spreads easily on a skin surface; at least partially absorbed following rubbing onto the skin, and more preferably, substantially absorbed following rubbing on the skin.

In terms of tactile properties an acceptable foam is one, that: creates a pleasant feeling after application; leaves minimal oily residue; and leaves minimal shiny residual look.

Foam Collapse

A further aspect of the foam is breakability. Thermally sensitive foams immediately collapse upon exposure to skin temperature and, therefore, cannot be applied on the hand and afterwards delivered to the afflicted area.

The foam of the present disclosure has several notable advantages, when compared with hydroalcoholic foam compositions, such as

-   (1) Breakability. The foam of the present disclosure is thermally     stable and breakable under sheer force but is not “quick breaking     which allows comfortable application and well directed     administration to the target area; -   (2) Skin drying and skin barrier function. Short chain alcohols are     known to dry the skin and impair the integrity of the skin barrier.     By contrast, including a film forming agent in the composition of     the present disclosure foes not cause unwanted skin barrier damage. -   (3) Irritability. Due to the lack of lower alcohols (C1-C5) and     improvement in skin barrier function, skin irritability is     eliminated.

Another property of the foam is specific gravity, as measured upon release from the aerosol can. Typically, foams have specific gravity of less than 0.12 g/mL; or less than 0.10 g/mL; or less than 0.08 g/mL, depending on their composition and on the propellant concentration.

Pharmaceutical Composition

The foamable composition of the present disclosure (also referred to herein as the foamable pharmaceutical composition) is an ideal vehicle for active pharmaceutical ingredients and/or active cosmetic ingredients. In the context of the present disclosure, active pharmaceutical ingredients and active cosmetic ingredients are collectively termed “active agent” or “active agents”. The silicone and oil waterless formulations optionally coupled with the use of modulating agents can uniquely be adapted to protect and preserve active agents when stored in compatible sealed canisters with propellant A foamable composition, comprising an active agent has the following advantages:

-   -   1. The foamable composition provides a preferred solvent for         active agents, particularly for poorly soluble or         water-insoluble agents.     -   2. The provision of an essentially single phase foamable         composition facilitates a co-solvent effect, resulting increased         concentrations of soluble active agent in the dosage form, thus         facilitating enhanced skin penetration of the active agent. In         many cases, increased penetration is positively correlated with         improved clinical outcome. In certain case, attaining an         increased drug penetration into the target site of action         enables a decrease of treatment frequency, for example, from         twice or three times daily to once daily. Oils with a secondary         solvent can act as skin penetration enhancers, thus, increasing         drug residence time in the target area and increasing clinical         efficacy, as detailed above.         -   Similarly, the inclusion of a polyol and/or a PEG and/or a             polyol ether and in the foamable composition facilitates a             co-solvent effect, resulting increased concentrations of             soluble active agent in the dosage form, thus facilitating             enhanced skin penetration of the active agent. In many             cases, increased penetration is positively correlated with             improved clinical outcome. In certain case, attaining an             increased drug penetration into the target site of action             enables a decrease of treatment frequency, for example, from             twice or three times daily to once daily.     -   3. Polyols, polyol ethers and PEGs; and combinations of a polyol         and/or PEG with a secondary solvent are known as skin         penetration enhancers, thus, increasing drug residence time in         the target area and increasing clinical efficacy, as detailed         above.     -   4. The fact that the composition contains no or little water,         minimizes the probability of degradation of water-sensitive         active agents. Furthermore, as exemplified herein, a foam         containing a polyol, a polyol ether and/or PEG with no water at         all can be formed in accordance with the composition and process         of the present disclosure. Such compositions ensure high         stability of water sensitive active agents.     -   5. Combining the anti-infective effect of a hygroscopic         composition, which acts through a dehydration mechanism, with an         additional anti-infective agent, selected from the group of an         antibiotic agent, an antibacterial agent, an antifungal agent,         an agent that controls yeast, an antiviral agent and an         antiparasitic agent, that acts through alternate mechanisms         results in a synergistic effect and consequently higher success         rate of the treatment.     -   6. The foamable polyol composition in contained in an         impermeable pressurized packaging presentation is impermeable         and thus, the active agent is not exposed to environmental         degradation factors, such as light and oxidating agent during         storage.

Thus, in one or more embodiments, the foamable composition includes at least one therapeutic agent, in a therapeutically effective concentration. Therapeutic agents are described herein. In addition, compounds disclosed in International Patent Publication No. WO 2004/03284, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety are suitable for use in the pharmaceutical compositions described herein.

In an embodiment the therapeutic agent is soluble in the foamable composition. In alternative embodiments the therapeutic agent is partially soluble and in further embodiments the therapeutic agent is insoluble in the formulation. Where the agent is insoluble or partially soluble it is provided as a homogenous suspension. In certain embodiments the homogeneous suspension remains homogenous over a substantial period of time suitable for pharmaceutical use. In other embodiments the agent may cram or separate out but homogeneity is fully reversible on shaking.

Oil soluble active agents may be readily used in the oil/silicone surfactant compositions described herein. A short list of non limiting examples of oil soluble active agents include calcipotriol, calcitriol, ciclopirox olamine, benzocaine. Other examples are terbinofine, diclofenac, tacrolimus and pimecrolimus and also oil soluble vitamins. Estradiol, progesterone are non limiting examples of sparingly oil soluble agents.

Because the prefoam formulations can provide a substantially waterless, high oil content environment, particular classes of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) will benefit from their inclusion in the composition. For example, active agents that are water sensitive, such as minocycline, doxycycline and other tetracycline drugs, vitamin D (e.g., calcipotriol and calcitriol), can have improved stability in the waterless composition. API's that are esters or amides are generally prone to hydrolysis by water and would benefit from a water free oil environment. API's that are sensitive to free radical attack or oxidation also would benefit from a water free oil environment. Similarly, active agents that are sensitive to specific pH level (which prevails in the presence of water) will also benefit. Exemplary APIs that would benefit from the silicone waterless compositions according to one or more embodiments include Vitamin D analogs and derivatives that degrade at low pH and corticosteroids that degrade at high pH. Oil soluble drugs can also be included in the compositions, such as corticosteroids, immunomodulators, such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus, oil-soluble vitamins, e.g., vitamin A and derivatives thereof, other retinoids, vitamin E. Certain APIs may possess more than one of the above features, and thereby benefit even further from the silicone waterless compositions.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the composition includes at least one active agent.

-   -   a. a therapeutically effective concentration of an active agent;     -   b. 10% to 30% by weight of at least one unstable active         agent-compatible (UAAC) excipient selected from the group         consisting of (1) a polyol and (2) a polyol ether;     -   c. 10% to 60% by weight of at least one unstable active         agent-compatible (UAAC) emollient and or hydrophobic solvent;     -   d. A stabilizing agent selected fro the group consisting of         about 0.01% to about 25% by weight of at least one         surface-active agent; and about 0% to about 5% by weight of at         least one polymeric agent and mixtures thereof;     -   e. about 0 to about 10% by weight of at least one alcohol; and     -   f. a liquefied or compressed gas propellant at a concentration         of about 3% to about 25% by weight of the total composition.         Antibiotics

In the context of the present disclosure, an antibiotic agent is a substance, that has the capacity to inhibit the growth of or to destroy bacteria and other microorganisms.

In one or more embodiments, the antibiotic agent is selected from the classes consisting beta-lactam antibiotics, aminoglycosides, ansa-type antibiotics, anthraquinones, antibiotic azoles, antibiotic glycopeptides, macrolides, antibiotic nucleosides, antibiotic peptides, antibiotic polyenes, antibiotic polyethers, quinolones, antibiotic steroids, sulfonamides, tetracycline, dicarboxylic acids, antibiotic metals including antibiotic metal ions, oxidizing agents, a periodate, a hypochlorite, a permanganate, substances that release free radicals and/or active oxygen, cationic antimicrobial agents, quaternary ammonium compounds, biguanides, triguanides, bisbiguanides and analogs and polymers thereof, naturally occurring antibiotic compounds, including antibiotic plant oils and antibiotic plant extracts and any one of the following antibiotic compounds including non classified antibiotic compounds analogs, derivatives, salts, ions, complexes and mixtures thereof:

Tetracyclines

The tetracyclines (also referred to herein as “tetracycline antibiotics”) are a group of antibacterials, originally derived from certain Streptomyces spp., having the same tetracyclic nucleus, naphthacene, and similar properties. They are usually bacteriostatic but act by interfering with protein synthesis in susceptible organisms. Tetracycline antibiotics are susceptible to degradation by oxidation.

Tetracyclines include, but are not limited to, dihydrosteffimycin, demethyltetracycline, aclacinomycin, akrobomycin, baumycin, bromotetracycline, cetocycline, chlortetracycline, clomocycline, daunorubicin, demeclocycline, doxorubicin, doxorubicin hydrochloride, doxycycline, lymecycline, marcellomycin, meclocycline, meclocycline sulfosalicylate, methacycline, minocycline, minocycline hydrochloride, musettamycin, oxytetracycline, rhodirubin, rolitetracycline, rubomycin, serirubicin, steffimycin, tetracycline and analogs, salts and derivatives thereof.

Chlortetracycline, oxytetracycline, tetracycline, demeclocycline are all natural products that have been isolated from Streptomyces spp. The more recent tetracyclines, namely methacycline, doxycycline, and minocycline, are semisynthetic derivatives. Methacycline, like demeclocycline, has a longer half-life than tetracycline. Minocycline is active against some tetracycline-resistant bacteria, including strains of staphylococci. Both doxycycline and minocycline are more lipid-soluble than the other tetracyclines and they penetrate well into tissues. They are thus more suitable for incorporating into oily or emollient containing formulations. However, they have a place in the treatment of chlamydial infections, rickettsial infections such as typhus and the spotted fevers, mycoplasmal infections such as atypical pneumonia, pelvic inflammatory disease, Lyme disease, brucellosis, tularaemia, plague, cholera, periodontal disease, and acne. The tetracyclines have also been useful in the treatment of penicillin-allergic patients suffering from venereal diseases, actinomycosis, bronchitis, and leptospirosis. Minocycline may sometimes be used in multidrug regimens for leprosy. Doxycycline may be used for the treatment and prophylaxis of malaria; it is also used in the management of anthrax.

In an embodiment the active ingredient may be any one of the following non limiting examples chlortetracycline, demeclocycline, doxycycline, lymecycline, meclocycline, methacycline, minocycline, oxytetracycline, rolitetracycline, tetracycline. In a preferred embodiment they are doxycycline or minocycline.

Tetracyclines and Skin Infections

Tetracyclines have been used in ophthalmic ointments for the prevention or treatment of infections of the eye caused by susceptible bacteria. Although minor skin infections and wounds usually heal without treatment, some minor skin wounds do not heal without therapy and it is impossible to determine at the time of injury which wounds will be self-healing. Therefore, some experts believe that, by reducing the number of superficial bacteria, topical anti-infectives are useful for preventing infection in minor skin injuries (e.g., cuts, scrapes, burns).

Tetracycline hydrochloride may be used topically in the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris. Tetracyclines are usually bacteriostatic in action, but may be bactericidal in high concentrations or against highly susceptible organisms.

Tetracyclines appear to inhibit protein synthesis in susceptible organisms primarily by reversibly binding to 30S ribosomal subunits, thereby inhibiting binding of aminoacyl transfer-RNA to those ribosomes. In addition, tetracyclines appear to reversibly bind to 50S ribosomal subunits. There is preliminary evidence that tetracyclines also alter cytoplasmic membranes of susceptible organisms resulting in leakage of nucleotides and other intracellular components from the cell. At high concentrations, tetracyclines also inhibit mammalian protein synthesis.

The exact mechanisms by which tetracyclines reduce lesions of acne vulgaris have not been fully elucidated; however, the effect appears to be partly the result of the antibacterial activity of the drugs. Following topical application to the skin of a 0.22% solution of tetracycline hydrochloride in a vehicle containing n-decyl methyl sulfoxide (Topicycline®; no longer commercially available in the US), the drug inhibits the growth of susceptible organisms (principally Propionibacterium acnes) on the surface of the skin and reduces the concentration of free fatty acids in sebum. The reduction in free fatty acids in sebum may be an indirect result of the inhibition of lipase-producing organisms which convert triglycerides into free fatty acids or may be a direct result of interference with lipase production in these organisms. Free fatty acids are comedogenic and are believed to be a possible cause of the inflammatory lesions (e.g., papules, pustules, nodules, cysts) of acne. However, other mechanisms also appear to be involved because clinical improvement of acne vulgaris with topical tetracyclines does not necessarily correspond with a reduction in the bacterial flora of the skin or a decrease in the free fatty acid content of sebum. (Martindale Electronic Version 2007)

Doxycycline

Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic and also has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Doxycycline is a semisynthetic tetracycline antibiotic derived from oxytetracycline. In addition to antimicrobial activity, the drug has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. It is available as Doxycycline calcium, doxycycline hyclate and doxycycline monohydrate. Doxycycline hyclate and doxycycline monohydrate occur as yellow, crystalline powders. The hyclate is soluble in water and slightly soluble in alcohol; the monohydrate is very slightly soluble in water and sparingly soluble in alcohol. Doxycycline calcium is formed in situ during the manufacturing process. Following reconstitution of doxycycline hyclate powder for IV administration with sterile water for injection, solutions have a pH of 1.8-3.3.

The mechanism(s) by which doxycycline reduces inflammatory lesions (papules and pustules) in patients has not been elucidated, but these effects may result at least in part from the anti-inflammatory actions of the drug; other mechanisms may be involved.²

Doxycycline is used for the treatment of rosacea treatment or prophylaxis of anthrax (including inhalational anthrax [postexposure]), treatment of presumed or confirmed rickettsial infections, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), fever, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis, and for the treatment of Bartonella infections, for the treatment of brucellosis, for the treatment of Burkholderia Infections, Chlamydial Infections, Lymphogranuloma venereum Psittacosis, Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis, Gonorrhea and Associated Infections, Epididymitis, Proctitis, Granuloma Inguinale (Donovanosis) Legionella Infections, Leptospirosis, Lyme Disease, Prophylaxis of Lyme Disease, Erythema Migrans, Early Neurologic Lyme Disease, Lyme Carditis, or Borrelial Lymphocytoma, Lyme Arthritis, Malaria, and prevention, Mycobacterial Infections, Mycobacterium marinum Infections, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Parenteral Regimens, Plague, pleural Effusion, Rickettsial Infections, Q Fever, Syphilis, Tularemia, Treatment, Postexposure Prophylaxis

When reconstituted and diluted with 0.9% sodium chloride or 5% dextrose, doxycycline hyclate IV solutions containing 0.1-1 mg of doxycycline per mL are stable for 48 hours at 25° C.; when reconstituted and diluted with Ringer's, 10% invert sugar, Normosol-M® in D5W, Normosol-R® in D5W, Plasma-Lyte® 56 in 5% dextrose, or Plasma-Lyte® 148 in 5% dextrose, doxycycline hyclate IV solutions containing 0.1-1 mg/mL are stable for 12 hours at room temperature. The manufacturer states that doxycycline hyclate solutions prepared with any of these infusion solutions are stable for 72 hours at 2-8° C. when protected from direct sunlight and artificial light; however, after storage in this manner, infusion of these solutions must be completed within 12 hours Doxycycline hyclate IV solutions diluted to a concentration of 0.1-1 mg/mL with lactated Ringer's injection or 5% dextrose in lactated Ringer's injection must be infused within 6 hours to ensure stability. During infusion, all doxycycline hyclate IV solutions must be protected from direct sunlight. (Martindale 2007 Electronic Version). Thus it can be seen that Doxycycline is not stable for more than short periods of a matter of hours.

Preparations of doxycycline hyclate have an acid pH and incompatibility may reasonably be expected with alkaline preparations or with drugs unstable at low pH.

Doxycycline is more active than tetracycline against many bacterial species including Streptococcus pyogenes, enterococci, Nocardia spp., and various anaerobes. Cross-resistance is common although some tetracycline-resistant Staphylococcus aureus respond to doxycycline. Doxycycline is also more active against protozoa, particularly Plasmodium spp.

Doxycycline is a tetracycline derivative with uses similar to those of tetracycline. It may sometimes be preferred to other tetracyclines in the treatment of susceptible infections because of its fairly reliable absorption and its long half-life that permits less frequent (often once daily) dosing. It also has the advantage that it can be given (with care) to patients with renal impairment. However, relatively high doses may need to be given for urinary-tract infections because of its low renal excretion.

For relapsing fever and louse-borne typhus, for the prophylaxis of leptospirosis, for periodontitis, for Lymphatic filariasis, for Musculoskeletal and joint disorders and for the treatment of acne.

Minocycline Hydrochloride

Minocycline hydrochloride is a semisynthetic tetracycline antibiotic derived from tetracycline. The drug is usually bacteriostatic in action; it exerts its antimicrobial activity by inhibiting protein synthesis. It is a yellow crystalline powder that is sparingly soluble in water; slightly soluble in alcohol; practically insoluble in chloroform and in ether; soluble in solutions of alkali hydroxides and carbonates. pH of a solution in water containing the equivalent of minocycline 1% is between 3.5 and 4.5. Preparations of minocycline hydrochloride have an acid pH and incompatibility may reasonably be expected with alkaline preparations or with drugs unstable at low pH.

It is highly sensitive and should be stored in airtight containers and protected from light. Therefore use in foamable formulations stored in airtight sealed containers under pressure with propellant may contribute to preserving stability subject to selection of compatible canisters and accessories

Photosensitivity, manifested as an exaggerated sunburn reaction on areas of the body exposed to direct sunlight or ultraviolet light, has occurred with tetracyclines and Minocycline has been associated with pigmentation of the skin and other tissues

Minocycline has a spectrum of activity and mode of action similar to that of tetracycline but it is more active against many species including Staphylococcus aureus, streptococci, Neisseria meningitidis, various enterobacteria, Acinetobacter, Bacteroides, Haemophilus, Nocardia, and some mycobacteria, including M. leprae. Partial cross-resistance exists between minocycline and other tetracyclines but some strains resistant to other drugs of the group remain sensitive to minocycline, perhaps because of better cell-wall penetration. Minocycline is a tetracycline derivative with uses similar to those of tetracycline. It is also a component of multidrug regimens for the treatment of leprosy and has been used in the prophylaxis of meningococcal infection to eliminate the carrier state, but the high incidence of vestibular disturbances means that it is not the drug of choice for the latter. It has neuroprotective properties. It is being investigated for motor neuron disease, for the management of Huntington's chorea. It is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and in the treatment of various skin disorders, including acne.

Additional Therapeutic Agent and Antibiotics

Several disorders of the target site (such as the skin, a body surface, a body cavity, a mucosal surface, the nose, the mouth, the eye, the ear canal, the respiratory system, the vagina and the rectum), involve a combination of etiological factors, some of which are related to a microbiological infection (that can be affected by an antibiotic agent); and other etiological factors that require an additional therapeutic modality. For example, impetigo involves bacterial infection as well as inflammation, and therefore combined treatment with an antibiotic agent and an anti-inflammatory agent would be beneficial. Likewise, chronic ulcers involve poor blood supply and potential bacterial, fungal and viral infections, which warrants a beneficial effect of a combination of an antibiotic agent and a vasoactive agent.

Additional non-limiting examples of combinations of an antibiotic agent and an additional active agent are provided in the following table:

Disorder Exemplary Additional Active Agent acne At least one agent selected from the group consisting of a retinoid; a keratolytic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid and derivatives thereof, a beta-hydroxy acid and derivatives thereof, a skin-drying agent, an anti-seborrhea agent, a corticosteroid and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent.. Rosacea At least one agent selected from the group consisting of a retinoid; a keratolytic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid, a beta- hydroxy acid and derivatives thereof. Otitis At least one agent selected from the group of an antifungal agent, a local anesthetic agent, a corticosteroid and a non- steroidal anti-inflammatory agent. Psoriasis At least one agent selected from the group consisting of a corticosteroid, coal tar, anthralin and a photodynamic therapy agent

Hence, in many cases, the inclusion of an additional therapeutic agent in the foamable composition of the present disclosure, contributes to the clinical activity of the antibiotic agent.

Thus, in one or more embodiments, the foamable composition further includes at least one additional therapeutic agent, in a therapeutically effective concentration.

In one or more embodiments, the at least one additional therapeutic agent is selected from the group consisting of a steroidal antiinflammatory agent, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, an immunosuppressive agent, an immunomodulator, an immunoregulating agent, a hormonal agent, an antifungal agent, an antiviral agent, an antiparasitic agent, a vasoactive agent, a vasoconstrictor, a vasodilator, vitamin A, a vitamin A derivative, vitamin B, a vitamin B derivative, vitamin C, a vitamin C derivative, vitamin D, a vitamin D derivative, vitamin E, a vitamin E derivative, vitamin F, a vitamin F derivative, vitamin K, a vitamin K derivative, a wound healing agent, a disinfectant, an anesthetic, an antiallergic agent, an alpha hydroxyl acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, a protein, a peptide, a neuropeptide, a allergen, an immunogenic substance, a haptene, an oxidizing agent, an antioxidant, a dicarboxylic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, adipic acid, fumaric acid, an antibiotic agent, an antiproliferative agent, an anticancer agent, a photodynamic therapy agent, an anti-wrinkle agent, a radical scavenger, a metal oxide (e.g., titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, zirconium oxide, iron oxide), silicone oxide, an anti wrinkle agent, a skin whitening agent, a skin protective agent, a masking agent, an anti-wart agent, a refatting agent, a lubricating agent and mixtures thereof.

Fields of Applications

The foamable carrier of the present disclosure is suitable for treating any infected surface. In one or more embodiments, foamable carrier is suitable for administration to the skin, a body surface, a body cavity or mucosal surface, e.g., the cavity and/or the mucosa of the nose, mouth, eye, ear, respiratory system, vagina or rectum (severally and interchangeably termed herein “target site”).

By selecting a suitable active agent, or a combination of at least two active agents, the foamable composition of the present disclosure is useful in treating an animal or a human patient having any one of a variety of dermatological disorders, including dermatological pain, dermatological inflammation, acne, acne vulgaris, inflammatory acne, non-inflammatory acne, acne fulminans, nodular papulopustular acne, acne conglobata, dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, fungal skin infections, viral skin infections, parasitic skin infections, skin neoplasia, skin neoplasms, pruritis, cellulitis, acute lymphangitis, lymphadenitis, erysipelas, cutaneous abscesses, necrotizing subcutaneous infections, scalded skin syndrome, folliculitis, furuncles, hidradenitis suppurativa, carbuncles, paronychial infections, rashes, erythrasma, impetigo, eethyma, yeast skin infections, warts, molluscum contagiosum, trauma or injury to the skin, post-operative or post-surgical skin conditions, scabies, pediculosis, creeping eruption, eczemas, psoriasis, pityriasis rosea, lichen planus, pityriasis rubra pilaris, edematous, erythema multiforme, erythema nodosum, grannuloma annulare, epidermal necrolysis, sunburn, photosensitivity, pemphigus, bullous pemphigoid, dermatitis herpetiformis, keratosis pilaris, callouses, corns, ichthyosis, skin ulcers, ischemic necrosis, miliaria, hyperhidrosis, moles, Kaposi's sarcoma, melanoma, malignant melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, poison ivy, poison oak, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, rosacea, purpura, moniliasis, candidiasis, baldness, alopecia, Behcet's syndrome, cholesteatoma, Dercum disease, ectodermal dysplasia, gustatory sweating, nail patella syndrome, lupus, hives, hair loss, Hailey-Hailey disease, chemical or thermal skin burns, scleroderma, aging skin, wrinkles, sun spots, necrotizing fasciitis, necrotizing myositis, gangrene, scarring, and vitiligo.

Likewise, the foamable composition of the present disclosure is suitable for treating a disorder of a body cavity or mucosal surface, e.g., the mucosa of the nose, mouth, eye, ear, respiratory system, vagina or rectum. Non limiting examples of such conditions include chlamydia infection, gonorrhea infection, hepatitis B, herpes, HIV/AIDS, human papillomavirus (HPV), genital warts, bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, chancroid, granuloma Inguinale, lymphogranloma venereum, mucopurulent cervicitis (MPC), molluscum contagiosum, nongonococcal urethritis (NGU), trichomoniasis, vulvar disorders, vulvodynia, vulvar pain, yeast infection, vulvar dystrophy, vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN), contact dermatitis, pelvic inflammation, endometritis, salpingitis, oophoritis, genital cancer, cancer of the cervix, cancer of the vulva, cancer of the vagina, vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, anal and rectal disease, anal abscess/fistula, anal cancer, anal fissure, anal warts, Crohn's disease, hemorrhoids, anal itch, pruritus ani, fecal incontinence, constipation, polyps of the colon and rectum.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the composition is useful for the treatment of an infection. In one or more embodiments, the composition is suitable for the treatment of an infection, selected from the group of a bacterial infection, a fungal infection, a yeast infection, a viral infection and a parasitic infection.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the composition is useful for the treatment of wound, ulcer and burn. This use is particularly important since the composition of the present disclosure creates a thin, semi-occlusive layer, which coats the damaged tissue, while allowing exudates to be released from the tissue.

The composition of the present disclosure is also suitable for administering a hormone to the skin or to a mucosal membrane or to a body cavity, in order to deliver the hormone into the tissue of the target organ, in any disorder that responds to treatment with a hormone.

In light of the hygroscopic nature of the composition, it is further suitable for the treatment and prevention of post-surgical adhesions. Adhesions are scars that form abnormal connections between tissue surfaces. Post-surgical adhesion formation is a natural consequence of surgery, resulting when tissue repairs itself following incision, cauterization, suturing, or other means of trauma. When comprising appropriate protective agents, the foam is suitable for the treatment or prevention of post surgical adhesions. The use of foam is particularly advantageous because foam can expand in the body cavity and penetrate into hidden areas that cannot be reached by any other alternative means of administration.

Substantially Alcohol-Free

According to one or more embodiments, the foamable composition is substantially alcohol-free, i.e., free of short chain alcohols. Short chain alcohols, having up to 5 carbon atoms in their carbon chain skeleton and one hydroxyl group, such as ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butaneol, iso-butaneol, t-butaneol and pentanol, are considered less desirable solvents or solvents due to their skin-irritating effect. Thus, the composition is substantially alcohol-free and includes less than about 5% final concentration of lower alcohols, preferably less than about 2%, more preferably less than about 1%.

Shakability

‘Shakability’ means that the composition contains some or sufficient flow to allow the composition to be mixed or remixed on shaking. That is, it has fluid or semi fluid properties. In some very limited cases it may still be possible to have a foamable composition which is flowable but not apparently shakable.

Breakability

A breakable foam is thermally stable or substantially so, yet breaks under sheer force. The breakable foam of the present disclosure is not “quick breaking”, i.e., it does not readily collapse upon exposure to body temperature environment. Sheer-force breakability of the foam is clearly advantageous over thermally induced breakability, (due to, for example, the presence of alcohol) since it allows comfortable application and well directed administration to the target area.

Chemical Instability and Stability

By chemical instability of one or more active agents is meant that at least one of the one or more active agents is susceptible to one or more of inter alia reaction, breakdown, ionization or oxidation or the rate thereof is increased when incorporated into a pharmaceutical or cosmetic carrier that is non aqueous or substantially non aqueous.

Conversely by chemical stability of one or more active agents is meant that at least one of the one or more active agents is less susceptible to one or more of inter alia reaction, breakdown, ionization or oxidation or the rate thereof is impeded when incorporated into a pharmaceutical or cosmetic carrier that is non aqueous or substantially non aqueous.

“Chemically stable” or “chemical stability” may be defined as demonstrating substantially no or minimal breakdown from oxidation 72 hours after mixing with the carrier or agent when stored at about at least 25° C. Substantially no or minimal breakdown may be determined using HPLC methods disclosed herein or other methods, where the mass of the compound is determined at time 0 (i.e., within about 1 hour after mixing with the carrier or foamable pharmaceutical composition) and about 72 hours after mixing, and wherein at least about 90% by mass of the compound is detected at about 72 hours compared to time 0. Alternatively, degradation products may be determined using HPLC methods disclosed herein or other methods, where the mass of the degradation products is determined at time 0 and about 72 hours after mixing, and wherein less than about 1% by mass of the compound in the mixture is degradation products. When the compound is minocycline, a suitable degradation product for purposes of determining “chemical stability” or “chemically stable” is 4-epiminocycline.

Other foamable compositions are described in: U.S. Publication No. 05-0232869, published on Oct. 20, 2005, entitled NONSTEROIDAL IMMUNOMODULATING KIT AND COMPOSITION AND USES THEREOF; U.S. Publication No. 05-0205086, published on Sep. 22, 2005, entitled RETINOID IMMUNOMODULATING KIT AND COMPOSITION AND USES THEREOF; U.S. Publication No. 06-0018937, published on Jan. 26, 2006, entitled STEROID KIT AND FOAMABLE COMPOSITION AND USES THEREOF; U.S. Publication No. 05-0271596, published on Dec. 8, 2005, entitled VASOACTIVE KIT AND COMPOSITION AND USES THEREOF; U.S. Publication No. 06-0269485, published on Nov. 30, 2006, entitled ANTIBIOTIC KIT AND COMPOSITION AND USES THEREOF; U.S. Publication No. 07-0020304, published on Jan. 25, 2007, entitled NON-FLAMMABLE INSECTICIDE COMPOSITION AND USES THEREOF; U.S. Publication No. 06-0193789, published on Aug. 31, 2006, entitled FILM FORMING FOAMABLE COMPOSITION; U.S. Publication No. 2007-0292355 published on Dec. 20, 2007 and entitled ANTI-INFECTION AUGMENTATION OF FOAMABLE COMPOSITIONS AND KIT AND USES THEREOF; U.S. Publication No. 2008-0069779 and entitled DICARBOXYLIC ACID FOAMABLE VEHICLE AND PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; U.S. Publication 20080206159, published on Aug. 28, 2008 and entitled COMPOSITIONS WITH MODULATING AGENTS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/767,442, filed on Jun. 22, 2007, entitled FOAMABLE COMPOSITIONS AND KITS COMPRISING ONE OR MORE OF A CHANNEL AGENT, A CHOLINERGIC AGENT, A NITRIC OXIDE DONOR, AND RELATED AGENTS AND THEIR USES; U.S. Publication 2008-0069779, published on Mar. 20, 2008 and entitled FOAMABLE VEHICLE AND VITAMIN AND FLAVONOID PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS THEREOF, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. More particularly any of the active ingredients; the solvents; the surfactants; foam adjuvants; penetration enhancers; humectants; moisturizers; and other excipients as well as the propellants listed therein can be applied herein and are incorporated by reference.

The present disclosure is described with reference to the following examples. This disclosure is not limited to these examples and experiments. Many variations will suggest themselves and are within the full intended scope of the appended claims.

Methodology

The formulas of the present disclosure may be made in the following general way with appropriate adjustments for each formulation as will be appreciated by someone skilled in the art. Polymers, if any, are mixed, swelled and solubilized in the waterless medium, when necessary, with appropriate heat until it forms a clear solution. Stabilizing surfactants added usually with heat, until a homogeneous mixture is obtained, the mixture is then allowed to cool. The remainder of the ingredients, are then added with mixing until they have dissolved in the medium. The active agent is usually added at the end once the modulating agent, if present, has been incorporated. For foam the canisters are then filled with the above waterless formula, sealed and crimped with a valve and pressurized with the propellant.

A general procedure for preparing foamable compositions is set out in WO 2004/037225, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Waterless Foam

-   -   1. Dissolve the polymers, if any, in the main solvent with         heating or cooling as appropriate for specific polymer. Add the         all other ingredients and heat to 75° C. to melt and dissolve         the various ingredients.     -   2. Cool to below 40° C. and add sensitive ingredients with mild         mixing.     -   3. Cool to room temperature.     -   Note that for substantially waterless foam a small amount of         water is added before step 2.         Oily Waterless Foam     -   1. Mix all ingredients excluding polymers and heat to 75° C. to         melt and dissolve and obtain homogeneous mixture.     -   2. Mix well and cool to below 40° C. and add the polymers, if         any, and sensitive ingredients with moderate mixing.     -   3. Cool to room temperature.

Note that for substantially waterless foam a small amount of water is added before step 2.

Oily Foam with Phospholipids

-   -   1. Swell the phospholipids in the main oily solvent under mixing         for at least 20 minutes until uniform suspension is obtained.     -   2. Add all other ingredients excluding polymers and heat to         75° C. to melt and dissolve and obtain homogeneous mixture.     -   3. Mix well and cool to below 40° C. and add the polymers, if         any, and sensitive ingredients with moderate mixing.     -   4. Cool to room temperature.     -   5. In case of polymers dissolved or organic solvent, dissolve         the polymers in the solvent with heating or cooling as         appropriate for specific polymer and add to the oily mixture         under vigorous mixing at ˜40° C.

Note that for substantially waterless foam a small amount of water is added step 5. For more details of procedures please see the specific descriptions in the Examples.

Production Under Vacuum

Optionally, the foamable formulation may be produced under nitrogen and under vacuum. Whilst the whole process can be carried out under an oxygen free environment, it can be sufficient to apply a vacuum after heating and mixing all the ingredients to obtain an emulsion or homogenous liquid. Preferably the production chamber is equipped to apply a vacuum but if not the formulation can be for example placed in a dessicator to remove oxygen prior to filing and crimping.

Canisters Filling and Crimping

Each aerosol canister is filled with PFF and crimped with valve using vacuum crimping machine. The process of applying a vacuum will cause most of the oxygen present to be eliminated. Addition of hydrocarbon propellant may without being bound by any theory further help to reduce the likelihood of any remaining oxygen reacting with the active ingredient. It may do so, without being bound by any theory, by one or more of dissolving in the oil or hydrophobic phase of the formulation, by dissolving to a very limited extent in the aqueous phase, by competing with some oxygen from the formulation, by diluting out any oxygen, by a tendency of oxygen to occupy the dead space, and by oxygen occupying part of the space created by the vacuum being the unfilled volume of the canister or that remaining oxygen is rendered substantially ineffective in the formulation.

Pressurizing

Propellant Filling

Pressurizing is carried out using a hydrocarbon gas or gas mixture. Canisters are filled and then warmed for 30 sec in a warm bath at 50° C. and well shaken immediately thereafter.

Closure Integrity Test.

Each pressurized canister is subjected to bubble and crimping integrity testing by immersing the canister in a 60° C. water bath for 2 minutes. Canisters are observed for leakage as determined by the generation of bubbles. Canisters releasing bubbles are rejected.

Tests

By way of non limiting example the objectives of hardness, collapse time and FTC stability tests are briefly set out below as would be appreciated by a person of the art.

Hardness

LFRA100 instrument is used to characterize hardness. A probe is inserted into the test material. The resistance of the material to compression is measured by a calibrated load cell and reported in units of grams on the texture analyzer instrument display. Preferably at least three repeat tests are made. The textural characteristics of a dispensed foam can affect the degree of dermal penetration, efficacy, spreadability and acceptability to the user. The results can also be looked at as an indicator of softness. Note: the foam sample is dispensed into an aluminum sample holder and filled to the top of the holder.

Collapse Time

Collapse time (CT) is examined by dispensing a given quantity of foam and photographing sequentially its appearance with time during incubation at 36° C. It is useful for evaluating foam products, which maintain structural stability at skin temperature for at least 1 min.

Viscosity

Viscosity is measured with Brookfield LVDV-II+PRO with spindle SC4-25 at ambient temperature and 10, 5 and 1 RPM. Viscosity is usually measured at 10 RPM. However, at about the apparent upper limit for the spindle of ˜>50,000 CP, the viscosity at 1 RPM may be measured, although the figures are of a higher magnitude.

FTC (Freeze Thaw Cycles)

To check the foam appearance under extreme conditions of repeated cycles of cooling, heating, (first cycle) cooling, heating (second cycle) etc., commencing with −100° C. (24 hours) followed by +400° C. (24 hours) measuring the appearance and again repeating the cycle for up to three times.

Chemical Stability

The amount of active agent present is analyzed in foam expelled from various pressurized canisters containing foam formulations using HPLC. Analysis is carried out at zero time and at appropriate time intervals thereafter. The canisters are stored in controlled temperature incubators at 5° C., at 25° C., at, 40° C. and at 50° C. At appropriate time intervals canisters are removed and the amount of active agent in the foam sample is measured.

Analysis

Analysis of Antibiotic Concentrations in Formulations

i) Minocycline Formulations:

About 0.5 g foam or pre-foam formulation is dissolved with diluent (65% phosphate buffer: 35% Acetonitrile (ACN)) in a 25 mL volumetric flask. The sample is shaken for 30 min on an inverted shaker stand for 10 min at room temperature. The resulting suspension is centrifuged for 5 minutes at 4000 rpm. The supernatant is separated by vacuum pump and filtered thereafter through a 0.45 μm PTFE+GL filter. The first few drops of the filtrate are discarded. The resultant clear solution layer is analyzed by HPLC using columnRP-8. The content of MCH is calculated against an MCH standard 0.4 mg/mL (concentration). The content of 4-epiminocycline is calculated against MCH standard 0.02 mg/mL (concentration).

The details of the method conditions are as follows:

Column: Purosphere STAR RP-8 endcapped 5μ Merck 250 x Cat. 4.6 1.50032.0001 Flow: 1.2 mL/min Detector: UV at 254 nm Injection volume:  10 μL Autosampler temp.:  5° C. Column temp.: 40° C. Mobile phase: 78 buffer: 22 ACN Diluent: 65 buffer: 35 ACN Approximate RT: 11.5 min for minocycline HCl 8 min for 4-epiminocycline ii) Doxycycline (Dox) Formulations:

About 1 g of pre-foam formulation or foam is weighed into 50 ml plastic centrifuge tube. 25 ml of 0.01 N HCl (diluent) and 15 ml of dichloromethane are added. The mixture is shaken for 1 hour an inverted shaker stand and thereafter centrifuged for 5 minutes at 4000 rpm. The supernatant is separated by vacuum pump and filtered thereafter through a 0.45 μm PTFE+GL filter. The first few drops of the filtrate are discarded. The resultant clear solution layer is sampled and injected into an HPLC, using a C-8 column. The content of MCH is calculated against DOX prepared in 1 g placebo with AN 0.2 mg/mL standard.

The details of the method conditions are as follows:

Column: Thermo Hypersil GOLD C-8 250×4.6 mm 5μ cat:25205-254630.

Column temp: 35° C.

Flow 1.0 ml/min,

Injection volume 10 μL.

Detector: UV at 270 nm

Gradient for 25 min with post time: 15 min.

Visual Stability Tests

Spillability

In most formulations, addition of Minocycline HCl per se causes to loss of fluidity (the formulation becomes a thickened mass). This is undesirable phenomenon. Therefore an objective in designing lead formulations it to formulate so the composition does not lose fluidity, and stays spillable after the incorporation of active agent. Spillability means free moving or rotating of formulation inside the glass bottle upon inversion.

Chemical Oxidation

Chemical oxidation of the active ingredient in the foam formulation can be noticed visually (e.g. changing the color from yellow to orange). See color test. Oxidation results in a lower assay. Degradation of minocycline can be an epimerization chemical process (4-epiminocycline).

Bubble Size

Foams are made of gas bubbles entrapped in liquid. The bubble size and distribution reflects in the visual texture and smoothness of the foam. Foam bubbles size is determined by dispensing a foam sample on a glass slide, taking a picture of the foam surface with a digital camera equipped with a macro lens. The diameter of about 30 bubbles is measured manually relatively to calibration standard template. Statistical parameters such as mean bubble diameter, standard deviation and quartiles are then determined. Measuring diameter may also be undertaken with image analysis software. The camera used was a Nikon D40× Camera (resolution 10MP) equipped with Sigma Macro Lens (ref: APO MACRO 150 mm F2.8 EX DG HSM). Pictures obtained are cropped to keep a squared region of 400 pixels×400 pixels.

Microscope Size:

The light microscope enables observing and measuring particles from few millimeters down to one micron. Light microscope is limited by the visible light wavelength and therefore is useful to measuring size of particles above 800 nanometers and practically from 1 micron (1,000 nanometers).

Color

Color is tested by visual observation and in particular by comparison to “Pantone® formula guide solid uncoated” colors. The preferable color is Yellow-bright yellow 600U-601U-602U according to the Pantone acceptable colors. Minocycline changes color to orange/greenish with oxidation or complexation. These oxidized colors are not desirable. Colors such as 609U/608U/610U are indicative of degradation by the tetracycline antibiotic.

Shakability

Shakability represents the degree to which the user is able to feel/hear the presence of the liquid contents when the filled pressurized canister is shaken. Shaking is with normal mild force without vigorous shaking or excessive force. When the user cannot sense the motion of the contents during shaking the product may be considered to be non shakable. This property may be of particular importance in cases where shaking is required for affecting proper dispersion of the contents.

Shakability Scoring:

Shakability Good shakability (conforms to required quality specification) 2 Moderate shakability (conforms to required quality specification) 1 Not shakable (fails to meet required quality specification) but 0 may still be flowable and allow foam formation of quality Is substantially not able to pass through valve Block Centrifugation

Aging by Centrifugation:

1. Principle of Test

The centrifugation used in this procedure serves as a stress condition simulating the aging of the liquid dispersion under investigation. Under these conditions, the centrifugal force applied facilitates the coalescence of dispersed globules or sedimentation of dispersed solids, resulting in loss of the desired properties of the formulated dispersion. The test may be less meaningful for waterless suspensions and compositions comprising a single phase since the suspensions will sediment and as there is not an emulsion the formulations can more readily separate.

2. Procedure

-   -   2.1 Following preparation of the experimental formulation/s,         allow to stand at room temperature for 24 h.     -   2.2 Handle pentane in the chemical hood. Add to each         experimental formulation in a 20-mL glass vial a quantity of         pentane equivalent to the specified quantity of propellant for         that formulation, mix and allow formulation to stand for at         least 1 h and not more than 24 h.     -   2.3 Transfer each mixture to 1.5 mL microtubes. Tap each         microtube on the table surface to remove entrapped air bubbles.     -   2.4 Place visually balanced microtubes in the centrifuge rotor         and operate the centrifuge at one or more of 10,000 rpm for 10         min, 3,000 rpm for 10 min or at 1,000 rpm for 10 min.         Uniformity         Intra-Canister Uniformity

-   1. Representative product containers are collected, sample test     solutions are prepared and the content of the analyte is determined     according to standard methods in the art. Variability of content is     characterized as percent difference or relative standard deviation,     as appropriate, according to the number of samples evaluated.

-   2. The results ascertain variability or uniformity within a given     container in content of analytes (primarily active pharmaceutical     ingredients, but also preservatives) taken from different parts of a     pressurized canister drug products

-   3. Two full canisters were shaken according to product instructions.     About 1-3 g of Foam was dispensed from each canister and discarded.     Foam sufficient for two replicate sample solution preparations was     then dispensed into a glass beaker. This represents the initial     sample. A middle portion is then dispensed from each canister being     about half the canister contents. This middle dispensed portion may     be discarded or collected for testing purposes, as necessary. Foam     sufficient for two replicate sample solution preparations was then     dispensed into a glass beaker. This represents the final sample. A     small amount of formulation remains in the canister. The foam     samples were stirred to remove gas/air bubbles. From both the     initial and final foam portions from each canister 4 separate sample     solutions are prepared and analyzed, 2 from the initial portion and     2 from the final portion. The percent difference is calculated as     follows:

$\frac{\begin{matrix} {{{Difference}\mspace{14mu}{between}\mspace{14mu}{content}\mspace{14mu}{determined}\mspace{14mu}{in}\mspace{14mu}{initial}}\&} \\ {{final}\mspace{14mu}{portions}} \end{matrix}}{{{{Mean}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{content}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{initial}}\&}\mspace{14mu}{final}\mspace{14mu}{portions}} \times 100$

-    and the intra canister uniformity evaluated from the results.     Stock Compositions

Non-limiting examples of how stock solutions are made up with and without API are illustrated. Other stock solutions may be made using the same methodology by simply varying adding or omitting ingredients as would be appreciated by one of the ordinary skills in the art.

Examples

The present disclosure is described with reference to the following examples. For the purpose of the Examples below it was sufficient to apply a vacuum only at the crimping stage although for long term stability preferably any vacuum should be applied during manufacture as well at a sufficient pressure so that any oxygen remaining in the formulation is virtually negligible. This disclosure is not limited to these examples and experiments. Many variations will suggest themselves and are within the full intended scope of the appended claims.

Two major groups of experiments were performed to find suitable topical formulations comprising either minocycline (minocycline hydrochloride) or doxycycline (“DOX”) (doxycycline hyclate or monohydrate).

Table A shows at least some of the components used in formulating minocycline hydrochloride (“MCH”) and Table B shows some of the components used in formulating doxycycline hyclate.

TABLE A Components used in formulating carriers and compositions for Minocycline hydrochloride MCH Anti-greasiness surfactants foam adjuvant emollients Oils agent Glycerol Oleyl alcohol Cyclomethicone Light Aluminum Starch monostearate mineral oil Octenylsuccinate (ASOS) Polysorbate Stearyl alcohol PPG-15 Stearyl Hydrogenated 60 Ether Castor Oil Polysorbate Myristyl alcohol Octyldodecanol 80 Sucrose Cocoglycerides Isohexadecanol distearate Steareth Diisopropyl 2(Polyoxyl 2 adipate Stearyl Ether) Steareth Cetearyl 20(Polyoxyl Octanoate 20 Stearyl Ether) Steareth 21(Polyoxyl 21 Stearyl Ether) Sorbitan monostearate (Span 60) Metyl Glucose Sesquistearate Myrj 52(Polyoxyl 40 stearate) Myrj 59(Polyoxyl 100 stearate) Montanov S (cetearyl alcohol and coconut alcohol) Glyceryl monostearate Sepigel 305(Polyacryl amide + iso- paraffin + Laureth-7) Full list Titanium Dioxide Cyclomethicone PPG-15 Stearyl Ether Octyldodecanol Light mineral oil Oleyl alcohol Isohexadecanol Glycerol monostearate Diisopropyl adipate Stearyl alcohol Myristyl alcohol Hydrogenated Castor Oil Polysorbate 60/80 Cetearyl Octanoate/ Sucrose distearate Steareth 20(Polyoxyl 20 Stearyl Ether) Steareth 2 (Polyoxyl 2 Stearyl Ether) Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate Cocoglycerides Sorbitan monostearate (Span 60) Metyl Glucose Sesquistearate Myrj 52(Polyoxyl 40 stearate) Myrj 59(Polyoxyl 100 stearate) Montanov S(cetearyl alcohol and coconut alcohol) Carbopol 934 Minocycline HCL Sepigel 305(Polyacrylamide + isoparaffin + Laureth-7) Bentone PTM Bentone VS-5 PC V Ethocel 7FP Ethocel 100 FP Aerosil Dry-flo AF Glyceryl monostearate

TABLE B Components used in formulating compositions for doxycycline hyclate. DOX surfactants foam adjuvants emollients Oils Anti-greasiness Glycerol Oleyl alcohol Cyclomethicone Light Mineral Oil Aluminum monostearate Starch Octenylsuccinate (ASOS) Sucrose Ester Stearic acid PPG-15 Stearyl MCT oil HLB 11 Ether GMS-PEG 100 Stearyl alcohol Propylene Stearate Glycol Polysorbate 80 Myristyl alcohol Octyldodecanol Polysorbate 60 Cocoglycerides Glycerol Polysorbate 20 Diisopropyl adipate Sorbitan Cetearyl monostearate Octanoate Methy Glucose Sesquistearate PEG 40 Stearate (Myrj 52) PEG 100 Stearate (Myrj 59) Hydrogenated Castor Oil Steareth-2 Steareth-20 Steareth-21 Poloxamer 407(20% gel) Full list Cyclomethicone PPG-15 Stearyl Ether Propylene Glycol Oleyl alcohol Cetearyl Octanoate Octyldodecanol Light Mineral Oil Glycerol Klucel EF Stearic acid Stearyl alcohol Myristyl alcohol Glycerol monostearate Sucrose Ester HLB 11 GMS-PEG 100 Stearate Cocoglycerides Methocel A4 Xanthan Gum Polysorbate 80 Polysorbate 60 Polysorbate 20 Sorbitan monostearate Methy Glucose Sesquistearate PEG 40 Stearate (Myrj 52) PEG 100 Stearate (Myrj 59) Hydrogenated Castor Oil Steareth-2 Steareth-20 MCT oil Steareth-21 Aluminum Starch octenylsuccinate (AS0S) Diisopropyl adipate Poloxamer 407(20% gel) Dry-Flo AF Aerosil Ethocel 7 FP Doxycycline Hyclate Doxycycline Monohydrate

A list of the chemical constituents of the Brand names of some of the ingredients of the present disclosure, used in some of the formulations of the present disclosure appears in the following “Ingredients Table” Table C.

INGREDIENTS TABLE C Name Brand name PPG-15 Stearyl Ether Sympatens ASP/150 Octyldodecanol Eutanol G PH Light mineral oil Pionier 2076P Cyclomethicone DC 345 fluid Diisopropyl adipate Isoadipate Oleyl Alcohol HD-EUTANOL VPH Glyceryl monostearate Cutina GMS VPH Stearyl alcohol Speziol C18 PH Hydrogenated Castor Oil Cutina HR PH Cetearyl Octanoate Levitol EHO Polyoxyl 20 stearyl Ether Brij 78 P Polyoxyl 2 stearyl Ether Brij 72 Myristyl Alcohol Speziol C14 Methyl glucose sesquistearate Tego Care PS Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate (ASOS) Dry flo Plus Cocoglycerides Novata A Doxycycline Hyclate Doxycycline Hyclate Propellant PIB 1681

EXAMPLES Example 1 Foamable Carriers for Doxycycline Hyclate/Monohydrate

Foamable carriers were prepared as follows:

Prefoam formulations (PFFs) were prepared according to a typical protocol (exemplified for DOX-026, See Section “General Manufacturing Procedure for DOX formulations” hereinbelow). Numerous changes were made to the composition in order to find a PFF which, after addition of the propellant and expelled from a pressurized canister, has the following property:

-   -   a foam quality of at least good up to excellent;     -   and at least one of the following properties:     -   specific gravity in the range of about 0.02 gr/mL to about 0.5         gr/mL;     -   foam texture of a very fine creamy foam consistency to a fine         bubble structure consistency;     -   a sustainability of more than 95% for at least one minute upon         release thereof to a surface from an aerosol can;     -   less than 20% sedimentation following ten minutes of         centrifugation at 3000 g; and     -   compatibility with said at least one unstable active agent,         wherein said compatibility is defined as less than 20% oxidation         of said at least one unstable active agent.

As can be seen in Table 1, the DOX-001 formulation was only FG (fairly good) and therefore did not meet the quality standard. Experimental steps were performed, including:

-   -   other additives to improve foam quality     -   change of surfactants and polymers to improve foam quality.

Thus, as can be seen in Table 1, the foam quality was improved from fairly good to good from batch DOX-001 to DOX-017 (see Table 22 for additional formulations).

TABLE 1 Development of a foamable carrier for doxycycline hyclate. Lot: DOX-001 DOX-010 DOX-013 DOX-017 % w/w % w/w % w/w % w/w Cyclomethicone 1.49 2.00 3.00 3.00 PPG-15 Stearyl 9.90 8.00 15.00 15.00 Ether Propylene Glycol 58.91 Oleyl alcohol 9.90 9.70 10.00 10.00 Cetearyl Octanoate 3.00 2.00 Octyldodecanol 9.70 12.00 12.00 Light Mineral Oil 17.84 16.84 Glycerol 51.20 Stearic acid 1.98 Stearyl alcohol 1.00 4.00 6.00 Myristyl alcohol 1.98 1.00 2.50 GMS (glycerol 2.00 4.00 6.00 monostearate) Sucrose Ester 2.00 HLB 11 Cocoglycerides 6.00 Polysorbate 20 0.90 Methy Glucose 3.00 Sesquistearate Hydrogenated 1.50 3.50 Castor Oil Steareth-2 4.95 1.50 5.00 Steareth-20 2.50 Aluminum Starch 10.00 10.00 Octenylsuccinate (ASOS) Diisopropyl 9.90 9.00 8.00 8.00 adipate Doxycycline 0.99 1.16 1.16 Hyclate Control 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 Propellant 1681 8.00 8.00 8.00 10.00 Control II 108.00 108.00 108.00 110.00 Date manufacture January 23 February 15 May 8 May 21 Foam quality FG FG G G separated at room temperature Shakability NT 2 2 2 Collapse Time (s) NT NT 150 240 Hardness(g) NT NT 14.23 23.05 Viscosity (cPs) NT NT 1213 4700 10 RPM Density (g/ml) NT NT Not tested 0.168 FG—fairly good foam quality G—Good foam quality NT—not tested due to fairly good foam quality

Comments: It was observed that the combination of two surfactants glycerol monostearate and methyl glucose sesquistearate with foam adjuvants provided an improvement in foam quality. DOX-013 and DOX-017 showed good foam quality. In contrast fairly good quality was observed in formulations DOX-001 and DOX-010. However, formulations 13 and 17 when subject to centrifugation at 3000 rpm or 10,000 rpm for 10 mins resulted in sedimentation of the suspension and some separation.

Formulations DOX-001, DOX-017, DOX-010 and DOX-013 were prepared by heating of oils to 65-70° C. and addition of surfactants by mixing. The mixture was cooled down to 55-60° C. and emollients were added by thorough mixing. Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate was added to DOX-010 and DOX-013 at 40° C. After homogenization all the formulations were cooled down to the room temperature. API was added with stirring when the temperature fell below 30° C.

Tables 2 to 4 shows further development of foamable carrier for doxycycline, in which the concentrations of surface active agents and the types of surface active agents were changed.

TABLE 2 Further Development of a foamable carrier for doxycycline hyclate and doxycycline monohydrate Lot: DOX-022 DOX-025 DOX-026 DOX-027 DOX-033 % w/w % w/w % w/w % w/w % w/w Cyclomethicone 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 PPG-15 Stearyl Ether 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 Oleyl alcohol 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 NA Cetearyl Octanoate NA NA 2.00 NA NA Octyldodecanol 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 Light Mineral Oil 26.33 28.96 17.84 18.00 54.46 Stearyl alcohol 4.00 4.00 4.00 6.00 6.00 Myristyl alcohol 1.00 1.00 1.00 2.50 2.50 Glycerol Monostearate 4.00 3.00 4.00 6.00 6.00 MCT OIL NA NA NA 6.00 NA Cocoglycerides 2.00 NA NA NA NA Methy Glucose Sesquistearate NA NA 3.00 NA NA PEG 100 Stearate (Myrj 59) NA 0.50 NA NA NA Hydrogenated Castor Oil 3.50 3.50 1.50 3.50 NA Steareth-2 NA NA 5.00 NA NA Steareth-20 NA NA 2.50 NA NA Aluminum Starch Octylsuccinate 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 NA Diisopropyl adipate 8.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 NA Doxycycline Hyclate 1.17 NA 1.16 1.16 NA Doxycycline Monohydrate NA 1.04 NA NA 1.04 Control 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 Propellant 1681 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 Control II 112.00 112.00 112.00 112.00 112.00 Date manufacture 18 Jun. 2007 20 Jun. 2007 31 Jul. 2007 01 Aug. 2007 12 Sep. 2007 Foam quality G FG to G FG to G FG to G G Shakability 1 2 1 1 2 Expansion Time(sec) Not tested 97 Not tested Not tested Not tested Collapse Time (sec) >300 150 150 150 240 Hardness (g) 24.59 10.92 Not tested Not tested 18.46 Viscosity (cPs) 10 RPM tested 6789 10710 10710 not tested 1051 on PFF only Density(g/ml) 0.193 0.079 0.419 0.142 0.168 Assay at T-0 (% w/w) 0.77-PFF 0.82-PFF Not tested Not tested 0.92-PFF 0.96-foam 0.96-foam 0.94-foam Assay after 3 months of storage  5° C. 0.85-foam 0.78 Not tested Not tested 0.89 25° C. 0.87-foam 0.70 Not tested Not tested 0.88 30° C. 0.90-foam 0.68 Not tested Not tested 0.89 40° C. 0.82-foam 0.61 Not tested Not tested 0.87 NA—not applicable G—good FG—fairly good PFF—Pre foam formulation

Addition of cocoglycerides to formulation DOX-022 may account for the improved foam quality compared to DOX-025 formulation where surfactant PEG 100 stearate was incorporated instead of cocoglycerides.

Exclusion of cocoglycerides and incorporation of steareth-2, steareth-20 and methyl glucose sesquistearate to DOX-026 did not result in an improvement in the foam quality of the formulation.

The number of ingredients were significantly reduced in formulation DOX-033. This formulation revealed good foam quality.

Formulation DOX-033 appears to be chemically stable during 3 months of storage at different temperatures.

Complex formulations with a high array of ingredients (DOX-022, DOX-025, DOX-26 and DOX-027) were found to be chemically unstable.

General Manufacturing Procedures for DOX Formulations:

In order to prepare an agent free pharmaceutical composition and a pharmaceutical composition comprising an agent, the following steps were followed.

-   -   Preparation of a Pre-foam formulation (PFF)     -   Milling of Doxycycline Hyclate/Monohydrate. The range of the         particle size is minimum 2.2 μm-maximum 41 μm.     -   Addition of Doxycycline Hyclate/Monohydrate

Formulation DOX-026 PFF preparation (see Table 3 for further process details)

-   -   Heat up the Light mineral oil to 70° C. Add Oleyl alcohol,         Octyldodecanol     -   Add Hydrogenated Castor Oil under mixing until completely         dissolution.     -   Add Myristyl alcohol, Cetearyl Octanoate under mixing.     -   Add Glyceryl Monostearate, Stearyl alcohol, Steareth-20,         Steareth-2, Cyclomethicone and Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate         under mixing.     -   Cool down to 60° C., add the PPG-15 Stearyl Ether, Mix till the         ingredients are completely dissolved.     -   Add Diisopropyladipate under mixing.     -   Cool down to 40° C., add the Aluminum starch Octenylsuccinate         under mixing until complete dispersion.     -   Cool down to RT.     -   Mill Doxycycline Hyclate by mortar. This procedure is performed         according to MSDS of antibiotic.     -   Add the Doxycycline Hyclate, mix until homogenous suspension.

TABLE 3 Production Procedure for DOX-026 Required Mixing Time Temp rate Procedure (min) (° C.) (rpm) PFF (pre-foam Heating of Light Mineral 20 70 400-600 formulation) Oil, Oleyl alcohol, Octyl- preparation dodecanol Addition of Hydrogenated 10-15 70 400-600 Castor Oil, Cetearyl Octanoate and Myristyl alcohol Addition of Glyceryl mono- 10-15 70 400-600 stearate Stearyl alcohol, Steareth 20, Steareth 2, Methyl Glucose Sesqui- stearate, Cyclomethicone Addition of PPG-15 Stearyl  5-10 60 400-600 ether Addition of Di-isopropyl 15-20 70 400-600 adipate and Cooling down and add 10-20 40 400-600 Aluminum Starch Octenyl- succinate Addition of Milling of Doxycycline n/a r.t. n/a Doxycycline Hyclate by mortar Hyclate Addition of Doxycycline  5-10 r.t. 5500-6000 Hyclate to the PFF

One example of the canisters and closures used in this disclosure are presented in Table 4.

TABLE 4 Canister and Packaging of DOX -026 Supplier, supplier address Bottle kind/closure system and Product number Pressurized Nussbaum monoblock Weiss unberdruck NG aluminum canisters 35 × 70 35.070Foamix Nussbaum AG mm, phenol- epoxy lacquer* Valve 0064061, Seaquist, France Actutor 1010274 Seaquist, France Experimental Procedure for Batch No. DOX-033

Formulation DOX-033 contains minimal excipients composition and another salt of Doxycycline was used—Doxycycline Monohydrate. In addition, the propellant concentration raised to 12% instead of 8% in previous formulations (see DOX-26 and 27).

TABLE 5 Ingredients for batch DOX-033 Supplier and Name Brand name Address PPG-15 Stearyl Ether Sympatens ASP/150 Kolb Octyldodecanol Eutanol G PH Cognis Light mineral oil Pionier 2076P Hansen & Rosenthal Cyclomethicone 5 NF DOW Glyceryl monostearate Cutina GMS VPH Cognis Stearyl alcohol Speziol C18 PH Cognis Myristyl Alcohol Speziol C14 Cognis Doxycycline Mono- Doxycycline Mono- hydrate hydrate Propellant 1681 Manufacturing Procedure for DOX-033 Step 1-a: Preparation of PFF

-   -   Heat up the Light mineral oil to 70° C. Add Octyldodecanol.     -   Add Myristyl alcohol.     -   Add Glyceryl Monostearate and Stearyl alcohol under mixing.     -   Cool down to 60° C., add the PPG-15 Stearyl Ether,         Cyclomethicone. Mix till the ingredients are completely         dissolved.     -   Cool down to 30° C.         Step 2: Addition of Doxycycline Monohydrate to Formulation     -   Milled Doxycycline Monohydrate by mortar. This procedure is         performed according to MSDS of antibiotic.     -   Add the Doxycycline Monohydrate, mix until homogenous         suspension.     -   Cool down to RT.         Production Procedure Record for DOX-033

TABLE 6 Process Details for batch DOX-033 Required Mixing Time Temp rate Procedure (min) (° C.) (rpm) PFF (pre-foam Heating of Light Mineral 20 70 400-600 formulation Oil & Octyldodecanol preparation Addition Myristyl 10-15 70 400-600 alcohol Addition of Glyceryl 10-15 70 400-600 monostearate and Stearyl alcohol Addition of PPG-15  5-10 60 400-600 Stearyl ether, & Cyclomethicone Cooling down 10-20 40 400-600 Addition of Grinding of Doxycycline n/a RT n/a Doxycycline Monohydrate by mortar Monohydrate Addition of Doxycycline  5-10 40- RT 5500-6000 Monohydrate to the PFF n/a—not applicable RT—room temperature

Formulation DOX-033 was filled in following packaging configurations:

-   1. Nussbaum aluminum monoblock canisters, 30±5 g of PFF, crimped and     pressurized with 12% propellant. -   2. Amber glass bottles filled with 20±5 g of PFF under nitrogen     environment and without nitrogen. -   3. Canisters were stored in upright or inverted positions for 3     weeks.

Without wishing to be bound to any theory, the formulations produced appeared to be suspensions of solid surfactants in an oily phase. Of all the formulations DOX-001-033, DOX-033 was found to be the most stable. The concentration of doxycycline was monitored over time. There was originally 1.04 g of doxycycline in the composition. Table 7 shows the concentration measured as a function of time and storage conditions:

TABLE 7 Concentration of doxycycline monohydrate in DOX-033 formulation measured over time at different storage temperatures. Foam Assay 5° C. 25° C. 30° C. 40° C. (% w/w) Specifications Up inv Up inv up inv up inv T-0 Labeled conc.- 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93 0.93 1.0% Range: 0.90-1.10 (90.0-110.0%) 3 weeks labeled conc.- 0.89 0.88 0.88 0.88 0.89 0.88 0.86 0.86 storage 1.0% Range: 0.90-1.10 (90.0-110.0%) Up = upright position Inv = inverted position

Example 2 Foamable Carriers for Minocycline

A series of experiments was performed to find suitable formulations of foamable carriers for minocycline. Similar steps were taken to those described with respect to Table 1, including:

-   -   other additives to improve foam quality     -   change of surfactants and polymers to improve foam quality     -   use of unstable agent compatible materials per Table 19         Some of the results appear in Tables 8-11 hereinbelow.

TABLE 8 Development of a foamable carrier for minocycline Lot: MCH-001 MCH-022 % w/w % w/w Titanium Dioxide 2.00 CyclomethiconeCyclo- 3.00 methicone (DC 345 fluid) PPG-15 Stearyl Ether 15.00 15.00 Octyldodecanol 12.00 12.00 Light mineral oil 31.93 17.93 Oleyl alcohol 10.00 10.00 Glycerol monostearate 4.00 4.00 Diisopropyl adipate 8.00 8.00 Stearyl alcohol 4.00 4.00 Myristyl alcohol / 1.00 Hydrogenated Castor Oil / 1.50 Cetearyl Octanoate/Sucrose 1.50 2.00 distearate Polyoxyl 20 Stearyl Ether 2.50 2.50 Polyoxyl 2 Stearyl Ether 5.00 5.00 Aluminum Starch 5.00 10.00 Octenylsuccinate Metyl Glucose / 3.00 Sesquistearate Minocycline HCL 1.07 1.07 Control 98.93 100.00 Propellant 12.00 12.00 Control II 112.00 112.00 Results Foam quality FG G Viscosity (cPs|) 10 RPM 844 4787 Density N.A 0.136 Shakability Good Good FG—Fairly good foam quality G—good quality

The effect of selected factors on the formulation of a 1% Minocycline HCl foam product and its properties were evaluated.

-   1. Cyclomethicone: to impart a non-greasy skin feeling. -   2. Titanium dioxide: to give a lighter foam color and to impart a     sunscreen effect (MCH causes yellow discoloration of the skin and     increased photosensitivity). -   3. Different proportions of oils as listed below.     Formulation MCH-022 is one of the rational design matrix array.

Formulations were prepared by heating the oils an to 65-70° C. following by addition of surfactants/adjuvant. Minocycline HCl was incorporated at 30° C.

Minocycline HCl is a solid and is presented as a solid suspension in the formulations therefore preferably one or more agents, which can be added that are capable of providing a uniform suspension should be identified.

The effect of Sepigel 305 (polyacrylamide/isoparaffin/Laureth-7) was examined in formulation MCH-087 with and without API.

Addition of Minocycline HCl at concentration of 1.18% w/w changes the physical and chemical properties of formulation.

PFF was packed in Nussbaum aluminum monoblock canisters and Plastic-coated, pressurizable glass aerosol container (LM Wheaton, M-937F, supplied as GK-500 by Aero-Tech Laboratory Equipment

TABLE 9 Development of a foamable carrier for minocycline Composition MCH-087-(Placebo) MCH-087-071021 PPG-15 Stearyl 15.00 15.00 Ether Octyldodecanol 12.00 12.00 Light mineral oil 50.50 48.99 Polyacrylamide/|soparaffin/ 5.00 5.00 Laureth-4 (Sepigel 305) Cyclomethicone 3.00 3.00 Glyceryl 6.00 6.00 monostearate Stearyl alcohol 6.00 6.00 Myristyl alcohol 2.50 2.50 Minocycline NA 1.26 Hydrochloride Control: 100.00 100.00 Propellant 1681 12.00 12.00 Homogeneity test separation <5% homogenous, at pressurized glass spillable viscous aerosol container after 1 day spillable storage at 25° C. Homogeneity test separation <5% homogenous, at pressurized glass spillable viscous aerosol containers after 1 spillable, shakable: month storage at 25° C. Viscosity (cPs) 847.82 1045.75 Foam quality G G Shakability 2 2 NA—not applicable G—good foam quality

Manufacturing Procedure for MCH-087

Step 1-a: Preparation of Light Mineral Oil Mixture

-   -   Heat up the Light mineral oil to 70-75° C. Add Octyldodecanol.     -   Add Myristyl alcohol with mixing.     -   Add Glyceryl Monostearate and Stearyl alcohol under mixing.

Step 1-b: Premix of Sepigel 305 in Cyclomethicone

-   -   Heat the cyclomethicone to 70-75° C. Introduce slowly by         portions the Sepigel 305 at 75° C. with mixing.

Step 1-c: Incorporation of Sepigel 305 into the Oil Mixture

-   -   Incorporate slowly the Step 1-b product into the Step 1-a         mixture at 75° C. at least.

Step 1-d. Addition of PPG-15 Stearyl Ether

-   -   Cool down the mixture from Step 1-a to 60° C., add the PPG-15         Stearyl Ether. Mix till the ingredients are completely         dissolved.         -   Cool down to 30° C.     -   Add Minocycline HCl by continuous mixing.         Formulation was filled in Nussbaum aluminum monoblock canisters,         30±5 g of PFF, crimped and pressurized with 12% propellant.

TABLE 10 Chemical Stability of MCH-087 formulation stored in canisters at upright and inverted positions after three weeks storage at 25° C. and 40° C. Assay (%w/w) T-0 3 weeks 3 weeks PFF(pre-foam stability 25° C. stability 40° C. formulation Foam Up inv up inv of labeled 1.20 1.08 1.17 1.15 1.09 1.03 conc-1.0% ± 0.1 Up = upright Inv = inverted Formulation was stable following the storage at 40° C. for 3 weeks.

Formulations MCH-075 and MCH-076 contain minimal excipients in compositions. Corn starch derivative aluminum free (Dry-Flo® AF) was added to formulation MCH-105 to reduce the tackiness. Formulation MCH-109 contains Octyldodecanol instead of PPG-15 Stearyl Ether but did not achieve any reasonable foam quality such as MCH-075.

TABLE 11 Development of additional foamable carrier for minocycline MCH- MCH- MCH- MCH- MCH- Composition 072 075 076 105 107 PPG-15 Stearyl 15.00 42.21 42.21 15.00 15.00 Ether Octyldodecanol 12.00 NA NA 12.00 12.00 Light mineral oil 54.32 42.21 42.21 49.83 49.33 Polyacrylamide/ NA NA NA 5.00 3.00 |soparaffin/ Laureth-4 (Sepigel 305) Cyclomethicone 3.00 NA NA 3.00 3.00 Glyceryl 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 monostearate Stearyl alcohol 6.00 6.00 6.00 NA NA Myristyl alcohol 2.50 NA NA NA 2.50 Cocoglycerides NA 2.50 NA NA NA Corn starch NA NA NA 8.00 8.00 derivative (Dry-Flo ®AF) Minocycline 1.18 1.18 1.18 1.18 1.18 Hydrochloride Control: 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 Propellant 1681 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 Foam quality Good Good Good Good Good Shakability 2 2 2 2 2 NA—not applicable

Comment: Formulation MCH-75 was repeated using Octyldodecanol instead of PPG-15 Stearyl Ether but did not achieve a reasonable foam quality

Example 3 Examples of Compatibility Testing

Part A Minocycline

The physicochemical properties of minocycline HCl are similar to those of other tetracycline antibiotics with the exception of differences resulting from the presence of a second dimethylamino group.

General Properties of Minocycline HCl:

-   1. Slightly hygroscopic, yellow crystalline odorless powder with a     slight bitter taste. -   2. Relatively stable as a solid powder, however, undergoes     degradation in aqueous solutions. -   3. The major degradative pathways are carbon-4 epimerization and     oxidative processes. Since the oxidized products are frequently dark     in color, objectionable color changes are often encountered before     the loss of activity becomes appreciable. Epimerization continues     until equilibrium between minocycline and its epimer is achieved.

It is known from the literature that oxidation of tetracycline antibiotics can occur at any pH.

The compatibility tests were made of a selection of a wide range of different types of excipients as can be seen in Table 12 below. For convenience the excipients were divided into four different groups (I-IV).

Different compositions of hydrophilic and hydrophobic solvents containing minocycline HCl were prepared by weighing the antibiotic in a glass vial and shaking overnight with each solvent investigated (Group I and II).

Mixtures of Minocycline HCl with solid excipients like titanium dioxide, stearyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol etc were prepared by suspending Minocycline HCl in oil with stirring and then adding the solid ingredient as a powder with stirring at room temperature (Group III an IV).

Oxidation of minocycline after the storage at various temperatures was detected by color change. Assay for content of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and degradation product (4-epiminocycline) was determined in some samples.

The major degradative pathways for Minocycline are carbon-4 epimerization and oxidative processes. Minocycline is relatively stable as a solid powder, however, it undergoes degradation in aqueous solutions. Many different excipients cause the Minocycline oxidation (see the incompatibility tables 13a, 13b, 13c and 13d herein). Epimerization continues until equilibrium between minocycline and its epimer is achieved.

Since the oxidized products are frequently dark in color, objectionable color changes are often encountered before the loss of activity becomes appreciable. The analytical method doesn't detect the “oxidative Minocycline”. It should be noted that an oxidized product is evident by color change. It is not necessary to detect it chromatographically, but a low Minocycline assay result can be seen compared to the zero time value (T-0) when this process happens inside the canister. At higher temperatures (30° C., 40° C., 50° C.) the oxidation process is even more noticeable. Epimerization levels are around 2-5% of API assay.

Without being bound to any theory, it seems that water residues in hydrophilic vehicles like propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol 200 and 400 (PEG 200 and PEG 400 respectively) and glycerol are responsible for fast oxidation and epimerization of Minocycline.

A special procedure for drying of water residues was developed. Magnesium Sulphate was added to the glass beaker filled with one of the hydrophilic vehicles. The mixture was stirred during overnight and centrifuged the following morning. Clear supernatant was collected in a separate vessel and stored in a dessicator.

The following were tested using the above procedure: mixtures of Minocycline with PEG 200, PEG 400, glycerol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol.

It was observed that Minocycline HCL oxidized quickly after dissolution in all the different “dryed” hydrophilic vehicles (“dryed by the Magnesium Sulfate procedure) that were tested. It was concluded that pre drying the excipients did not help to prevent rapid breakdown and therefore the cause must be some other reason.

A series of experiments were performed to evaluate which mixture of components/ingredients were compatible or incompatible with minocycline. Each component or combinations of components were mixed with either 1.1% or 2.2% Minocycline HCl. The glass vials containing the formulations were wrapped in aluminum—and were subjected to a range of temperatures 25° C.; 30° C.; 40° C.; 50 C; for between one week to about 3 weeks. The results of these experiments are shown in Table 13a to 13e. The best results are shown as “compatible no oxidation”. The results indicate that these components on their own can be used in formulations with minocycline.

TABLE 13a Results of Group I Compatibility tests Mixtures with 2.2% of Minocycline HCl stored for 10 days at 50° C. Ingredients Cyclo- PPG-15 Octyl- Mineral Propylene Diisopropyl Group I methicone stearyl ether dodecanol oil glycol Glycerol PEG 200 PEG 400 MCT oil adipate Visual bright bright bright bright dark orange orange orange bright bright inspection yellow yellow yellow yellow brown brown brown brown yellow yellow mixture mixture mixture mixture solution solution solution solution mixture solution Compatibility compat. compat. compat. compat. non non non non compat. compat Results no no no no compat.. compat. compat. compat. no no oxidation oxidation oxidation oxidation Oxidation oxidation oxidation oxidation oxidation oxidation Notes and abbreviations: Compat. = compatibility;

TABLE 13b Results of Group I Compatibility tests Mixtures with 2.2% of Minocycline HCl stored for 10 days at 50° C. Ingredients Cetearyl Sorbitan Dimethyl Group I octanoate Hexylene glycol Butylene glycol Monolaurate Isosorbide Visual bright yellow bright orange brown orange brownish brownish inspection mixture mixture solution orange mixture yellow mixture Compatibility compat. Non compat. Non compat. Non compat. Non compat.. Results no oxidation oxidation oxidation oxidation oxidation

TABLE 13c Results of Group II Compatibility tests Mixtures with 1.1% of Minocycline HCl after 10 days storage at 40° C. Ingredients Propylene Ethanol 95% glycol PEG 200 Ethanol with BHT with ascorbic with ascorbic Time Ethanol 95% and Ascorbic acid acid Isostearic Group II points 95% with BHT acid and Vit E and Vit E Acid Minocycline T-0 0.97 0.97 0.91 0.81 0.74 Assay (%w/w) 10 days at 0.52 0.52 0.07 0.13 0.22 NP 40° C. 4-epiminocycline T-0 0.021 0.021 0.48 0.47 0.44 Assay (% w/w) 10 days at 0.39 0.39 0.40 0.38 0.36 NP 40° C. Visual inspection 10 days at Bright orange Bright orange Bright orange Bright orange Bright orange Orange 40° C. solution solution solution. solution solution solution Compatibility Non compatible Non compatible Non compatible Non compatible Non compatible Non compatible Results Oxidation Oxidation Oxidation Oxidation Oxidation Oxidation BHT—butylated hydroxytolyene; Vit E—vitamin E

TABLE 13d Results of Group III Compatibility tests Assay (% w/w) of Minocycline and 4-epiminocycline Group III following three weeks storage Mixture composition T-0 25° C. 30° C. 40° C. PPG-15 SE; Octyldodec; Minocycline 0.95 0.95 0.93 0.94 Mineral oil 4-Epiminocycline  0.018  0.016  0.014  0.023 Visual inspection yellow mixture yellow mixture yellow mixture yellow mix Compatibility Results compatible compatible compatible compatible no oxidation no oxidation no oxidation no oxidation PPG-15 SE; Octyldodec; Minocycline 0.95 0.90 0.97 0.82 Mineral oil + oleyl alcohol 4-Epiminocycline  0.020  0.021  0.015  0.023 Visual inspection yellow mixture yellow mixture yellow mixture yellow mix Compatibility Results compatible compatible compatible Reduction of assay no oxidation no oxidation no oxidation PPG-15 SE; Octyldodec; Minocycline 0.93 0.86 0.99 0.64 Mineral oil + oleyl 4-Epiminocycline  0.048  0.045  0.040  0.037 alcohol + Brij 20 and Brij 2 Visual inspection yellow mixture brownish orange brownish orange Brown mixture mixture mixture Compatibility Results compatible non compatible non compatible non compatible no oxidation oxidation oxidation oxidation PPG-15 SE; Minocycline 1.06 0.99 1.02 1.01 Mineral oil + ASOS 4-Epiminocycline 0.01 <0.01  <0.01  <0.01  Visual inspection bright yellow bright yellow bright yellow bright yellow mixture mixture mixture mixture Compatibility Results compatible compatible compatible compatible no oxidation no oxidation no oxidation no oxidation PPG-15 SE; Octyldodec; Minocycline 0.90 0.80 0.80 0.55 MGSS 4-Epiminocycline  0.120  0.121 0.06  0.080 Visual inspection yellowish orange brownish orange Brown mixture Black mixture mixture mixture Compatibility Results non compatible non compatible non compatible non compatible oxidation oxidation oxidation oxidation PPG-15 SE; Octyldodec; Minocycline 0.94 1.02 0.97 0.98 DISPA 4-Epiminocycline  0.026  0.034  0.012  0.017 Visual inspection bright yellow bright yellow bright yellow bright yellow mixture mixture mixture mixture Compatibility Results compatible compatible compatible compatible no oxidation no oxidation no oxidation no oxidation PPG-15 SE; Octyldodec; Minocycline 0.83 0.80 0.80 0.79 cetearyl octanoate 4-Epiminocycline  0.028  0.014  0.012  0.018 Visual inspection bright yellow bright yellow bright yellow bright yellow mixture mixture mixture mixture Compatibility Results compatible compatible compatible compatible no oxidation no oxidation no oxidation no oxidation PPG-15 SE; Octyldodec; Minocycline 0.98 0.90 0.92 0.92 cyclomethicone 4-Epiminocycline  0.030  0.034  0.015  0.034 Visual inspection bright yellow bright yellow bright yellow bright yellow mixture mixture mixture mixture Compatibility Results compatible compatible compatible compatible no oxidation no oxidation no oxidation no oxidation Light mineral oil; Minocycline 0.95 0.96 1.03 1.07 Hydrog. castor oil + 4-Epiminocycline  0.031  0.036  0.015  0.033 Stearyl/myristyl alcohol Visual inspection bright yellow bright yellow bright yellow bright yellow mixture mixture mixture mixture Compatibility Results compatible compatible compatible compatible no oxidation no oxidation no oxidation no oxidation Light mineral oil; Minocycline 0.97 0.99 1.07 1.16 titanium dioxide 4-Epiminocycline  0.031  0.016  0.017  0.022 Visual inspection bright yellow bright yellow bright yellow bright yellow mixture mixture mixture mixture Compatibility Results compatible compatible compatible compatible no oxidation no oxidation no oxidation no oxidation Notes and abbreviations: PPG-15 SE.—Polypropylene Glycol Stearyl Ether Octyldodec.—octyldodecanol ASOS—Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate MGSS—Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate DISPA—Diisopropyl adipate Hydrog. castor oil—Hydrogenated castor oil Mixture—the light yellow liquid supernant with powdered sediment of antibiotic

TABLE 13e Results of Group IV Compatibility tests Assay (% w/w) of Minocycline and 4-epiminocycline Group IV following one week storage Mixture composition 25° C. 40° C. PPG-15 SE; Octyldodec; Minocycline 0.98 0.92 PEG 40 Stearate 4-Epiminocycline 0.04 0.04 Visual inspection Yellow mixture Yellow mixture Compatibility Results compatible compatible no oxidation no oxidation PPG-15 SE; Octyldodec; Minocycline 1.04 1.02 PEG 100 Stearate 4-Epiminocycline 0.03 0.03 Visual inspection Yellow mixture Yellow mixture Compatibility Results compatible compatible no oxidation no oxidation PPG-15 SE; Octyldodec; Minocycline 0.96 1.10 Sorbitan Monostearate 4-Epiminocycline 0.08 0.12 Visual inspection Yellow mixture Yellow mixture Compatibility Results compatible compatible no oxidation no oxidation PPG-15 SE; Octyldodec; Minocycline 0.91 1.01 Cocoglycerides 4-Epiminocycline 0.01 0.02 Visual inspection Yellow mixture Yellow mixture Compatibility Results compatible compatible no oxidation no oxidation PPG-15 SE; Octyldodec; Minocycline Not performed 0.87 Cocoglucoside + 4-Epiminocycline 0.10 Coconut alcohol Visual inspection Yellow mixture Yellow mixture Compatibility Results compatible compatible no oxidation no oxidation Abbreviations: PPG-15 SE.—Polypropylene Glycol Stearyl Ether Octyldodec.—octyldodecanol

It should be understood that the results displayed in Table 13a to 13e provide for a new methodology in defining the compatibility between unstable active agents and one or more components in a composition or formulation. Not only are these results applicable for preparing pharmaceutical compositions with unstable active agents, which is a very useful embodiment of the present disclosure, but this methodology also provides new information regarding the combination of different components/ingredients in the preparation of carriers, compositions and formulations per se (excluding an active ingredient). Thus, the results of Table 20 provide for definition of “unstable active agent˜compatible (UAAC)” components or ingredients, which may be advantageously used in the preparation of stable compositions. Thus, “unstable active agent-compatible (UAAC)” components tend to be useful in the preparation of stable formulations with/without an active agent.

Part B Doxycycline

A similar compatibility study was conducted for Doxycycline Hyclate and Doxycycline Monohydrate.

The physicochemical properties of these two forms of Doxycycline are similar to those of other tetracycline antibiotics with the exception of differences resulting from prima facie the presence of a H₂O molecule in Doxycycline Monohydrate and a H₂O molecule and two HCl molecules for every water molecule in Doxycycline Hyclate.

General Properties of Doxycycline Hyclate and Doxycycline Monohydrate:

Doxycycline Hyclate

-   1. Doxycycline Hyclate is a broad-spectrum antibiotic synthetically     derived from oxytetracycline. -   2. Doxycycline hyclate is a yellow crystalline powder soluble in     water and in solutions of alkali hydroxides and carbonates. -   3. Doxycycline hyclate has a high degree of lipid solubility and a     low affinity for calcium binding.     Doxycycline Monohydrate -   1. Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic synthetically derived     from oxytetracycline. -   2. The chemical designation of the light-yellow crystalline powder     is alpha-6-deoxy-5-oxytetracycline.

The major degradative pathways for both types of Doxycycline are carbon-4 epimerization and oxidative processes.

Doxycycline is a member of the tetracycline antibiotics group and is commonly used to treat a variety of infections, particularly effective in treating acne condition.

Different compositions of hydrophilic and hydrophobic solvents containing Doxycycline Hyclate (Set I and Set II) and Doxycycline Monohydrate (Set III) were prepared by weighing the antibiotic in a glass vial and shaking overnight with each solvent investigated. Mixtures of Doxycycline salts 1.04% w/w with solid excipients were prepared in a similar way as for Minocycline HCl. The results are presented in Tables 14a to 17.

TABLE 14a Doxycycline Hyclate Compatibility Test (Group I) Mixtures of 1.04% w/w of Doxycycline Hyclate stored at 25° C., 40° C. and 50° C. for two weeks Ingredients Cyclo- PPG-15 Octyl- Mineral Propylene Diisopropyl Group I methicone stearyl ether dodecanol oil glycol Glycerol PEG 200 PEG 400 MCT oil adipate Visual White White White White Light Light Light Light White White inspection liquid liquid liquid liquid yellow yellow yellow yellow liquid liquid at T-0 and and and and solution solution solution solution and and yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow powder powder powder powder powder powder sedim. sedim. sedim. sedim. sedim. sedim. Visual White White White White Light Light Light Light White White inspection liquid liquid liquid liquid yellow yellow yellow yellow liquid liquid after the and and and and solution solution solution solution and and storage yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow at 25° C. powder powder powder powder powder powder sedim. sedim. sedim. sedim. sedim. sedim. Visual White White Light White Yellow brownish Brown Orange White White inspection liquid liquid orange liquid solution Yellow solution solution liquid liquid after the and and solution and solution and and storage yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow at 40° C. powder powder powder powder powder sedim. sedim. sedim. sedim. sedim. Visual White White Orange White Brownish Light Orange Orange White White inspection liquid liquid solution liquid orange brown solution solution liquid liquid after the and and and solution solution and and storage yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow at 50° C. powder powder powder powder powder sedim. sedim. sedim. sedim. sedim. Compatibility Compat. Compat. Non Compat. Non Non Non Non Compat. Compat Results after no no compat. no compat.. compat. compat. compat. no no the storage oxidation oxidation no oxidation oxidation oxidation oxidation oxidation oxidation oxidation oxidation

TABLE 14b Doxycycline Hyclate Compatibility Test (Group I) Mixtures of 1.04% w/w of Doxycycline Hyclate stored at 25° C., 40° C. and 50° C. for two weeks Ingredients Sorbitan Group I Cetearyl octanoate Hexylene glycol Butylene glycol Monolaurate Dimethyl Isosorbide Visual inspection at T-0 bright yellow bright yellow bright yellow bright yellow yellow solution solution solution solution mixture Visual inspection after bright yellow bright yellow bright yellow Brown solution Yellow solution the storage at 25° C. solution solution solution Visual inspection after bright yellow light yellow Light orange Brown solution Brownish orange the storage at 40° C. solution solution solution Visual inspection after White liquid and Light yellow liquid Light orange Black solution Orange solution the storage at 50° C. yellow powder and yellow powder solution sedim. sedim. Compatibility Compat. Compat. Non compat. Non compat. Non compat.. Results no oxidation no oxidation oxidation oxidation Oxidation Group II included Doxycycline Hyclate mixed with various vehicles with addition of antioxidants like alpha tocopherol, butylated hydroxytolyene (BHT), ascorbic acid.

TABLE 15 Doxycycline Hyclate Compatibility Test (Group II) Mixtures of 1.04% w/w of Doxycycline Hyclate stored at 25° C., 40° C. and 50° C. for two weeks Ingredients Propylene glycol, PEG 200, alpha Ethanol 95%, BHT and alpha tocopherol and tocopherol and Group II Ethanol 95% Ethanol 95% and BHT and ascorbic acid ascorbic acid ascorbic acid Visual inspection bright yellow bright yellow bright yellow bright yellow bright yellow at T-0 solution solution solution solution solution Visual inspection bright yellow bright yellow Yellow solution bright yellow Yellow solution after the storage solution solution solution at 25° C. Visual inspection bright yellow bright yellow Yellow solution Light orange Orange solution after the storage solution solution solution at 40° C. Visual inspection bright yellow bright yellow Orange solution Light orange Brownish orange after the storage solution solution solution solution at 50° C. Compatibility compatible. compatible Non compatible. Non compatible. non compatible. Results no oxidation no oxidation oxidation oxidation Oxidation

TABLE 16 Doxycycline Hyclate Compatibility Test (Group III) Mixtures of 1.04% w/w of Doxycycline Hyclate stored at 25° C., 40° C. and 50° C. for 3 days Ingredients Steareth 20 Myristyl Isostearic Oleyl and Hydrogenated alcohol and PEG 40 PEG 100 Sorbitan Coco- Group II Acid alcohol Steareth 2 Castor Oil Stearyl alcohol Stearate Stearate Monostearate glycerides Visual inspection Yellow Yellow Yellow Yellow Yellow Yellow Yellow Yellow Yellow at T-0 suspen suspen suspen suspen suspen suspen suspen suspen suspen Visual inspection Yellow Yellow Yellow Yellow Yellow Yellow Yellow Yellow Yellow after the storage suspen suspen suspen suspen suspen suspen. suspen suspen suspen at 25° C. Visual inspection Yellow Yellow Yellow Yellow Yellow Brown Yellow Yellow Yellow after the storage suspen suspen suspen suspen suspen suspen suspen suspen suspen at 40° C. Visual inspection Yellow Yellow Brown Yellow Yellow Brown Yellow Yellow Light after the storage suspen suspen suspen suspen suspen suspen suspen suspen brown at 50° C. powder Compatibility Compat.. Compat. Non Compat. Compat. Non Compat.. Compat. Non Results no No compat. No No Compat. No No Compat. oxidation oxidation Oxidation oxidation oxidation oxidation oxidation oxidation oxidation Suspen.—suspension; compat.—compatible A similar compatibility test was performed on another form of Doxycycline-Doxycycline Monohydrate. The results are presented in Table 17a. Table 17b and Table 18.

TABLE 17a Doxycycline Monohydrate Compatibility Test (Group I) Mixtures of 1.04% w/w of Doxycycline Monohydrate stored at 25° C., 40° C., and 50° C. for two weeks Ingredients Cyclo- PPG-15 Octyl- Mineral Propylene Diisopropyl Group I methicone stearyl ether dodecanol oil glycol Glycerol PEG 200 PEG 400 MCT oil adipate Visual White White White White Light yellow yellow Dark White White inspection liquid liquid liquid liquid yellow solution solution yellow liquid liquid at T-0 and and and and solution solution and and yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow powder powder powder powder powder powder sedim. sedim. sedim. sedim. sedim. sedim. Visual White White White White Orange yellow Yellowish Yellowish White White inspection liquid liquid liquid liquid solution solution black brown liquid liquid after the and and and and solution solution and and storage yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow at 25° C. powder powder powder powder powder powder sedim. sedim. sedim. sedim. sedim. sedim. Visual White Yellowish orange White Black black Black Brown White White inspection liquid orange solution liquid solution solution solution solution liquid liquid after the and mixture and and and storage yellow yellow yellow yellow at 40° C. powder powder powder powder sedim. sedim. sedim. sedim. Visual White Yellowish Orange White black black Black Black Dirty Brown inspection liquid orange solution liquid solution solution solution solution yellow mixture after the and mixture and storage yellow yellow at 50° C. powder powder sedim. sedim. Compatibility Compat. Non Non Compat. Non Non Non Non Non Non Results after no compat. compat. no compat. compat. compat. compat. compat. compat. the storage oxidation oxidation oxidation oxidation oxidation oxidation oxidation oxidation oxidation oxidation

TABLE 17b Doxycycline Monohydrate Compatibility Test (Group I) Mixtures of 1.04% w/w of Doxycycline Monohydrate stored at 25° C., 40° C., and 50° C. for two weeks Ingredients Group I Cetearyl octanoate Hexylene glycol Butylene glycol Sorbitan Monolaurate Dimethyl Isosorbide Visual inspection White liquid and White liquid and White liquid and Brown mixture yellow solution at T-0 yellow powder yellow powder yellow powder sedim. sedim. sedim. Visual inspection White liquid and bright yellow Orange solution orange solution orange solution after the storage yellow powder solution at 25° C. sedim. Visual inspection White liquid and Brownish black Brownish black Brown solution orange orange after the storage yellow powder solution solution at 40° C. sedim. Visual inspection White liquid and Black solution. black solution brown solution Orange solution after the storage yellow powder at 50° C. sedim. Compatibility compat. Non compat. Non compat. Non compat. non compat.. Results no oxidation oxidation oxidation oxidation Oxidation

TABLE 18 Doxycycline Monohydrate Compatibility Test (Group II) Mixtures of 1.04% w/w of Doxycycline Monohydrate stored at 25° C., 40° C., and 50° C. for two weeks Ingredients Propylene glycol, PEG 200, alpha Ethanol 95%, BHT and alpha tocopherol and tocopherol and Group II Ethanol 95% Eathnol 95% and BHT and ascorbic acid ascorbic acid ascorbic acid Visual inspection bright yellow bright yellow bright yellow bright yellow bright yellow at T-0 solution solution solution solution solution Visual inspection Brown solution Brown solution orange solution Yellowish orange Yellow solution after the storage solution at 25° C. Visual inspection Brown solution Brown solution Orange solution Orange solution Dark yellow after the storage solution at 40° C. Visual inspection Black solution Black solution Black solution Brownish orange Brown orange after the storage solution solution at 50° C. Compatibility Non compatible. Non compatible Non compatible. Non compatible. non compatible. Results oxidation oxidation oxidation oxidation Oxidation

Interesting and unexpected phenomena were found during the compatibility studies of Minocycline HCl, Doxycycline Hyclate and Doxycycline Monohydrate:

-   1. Whilst Minocycline displayed intensive oxidation on dissolution     in glycerol. Surprisingly, the antibiotic revealed full     compatibility with octyldodecanol, a branched chain fatty alcohol.     Both molecules have the similar hydroxyl units in their structures. -   2. Doxycycline Hyclate and Monohydrate unexpectedly revealed     different compatibility with excipients. For example, Doxycycline     Hyclate was stable in mixture with PPG-15 Stearyl Ether.     Surprisingly, the Doxycycline Monohydrate was found to be non     compatible with PPG-15 Stearyl Ether during the storage at 40° and     50° C. for two weeks. -   3. Doxycycline Hyclate was stable in mixture with ethanol 95% and     hexylene glycol. Doxycycline Monohydrate oxidized in the similar     mixtures. -   4. Unexpectedly addition of strong anti oxidants like     alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid did not prevent the oxidation of     any of Minocycline HCL, Doxycycline Hyclate and Monohydrate in a     waterless medium of propylene glycol and PEG 200. -   5. Surprisingly, Doxycycline Hyclate revealed stability in Ethanol     95% following the storage at 40° C. and 50° C. for two weeks     although Minocycline HCl and Doxycycline Monohydrate changed their     colour from yellow to orange upon dissolution in Ethanol 95%. -   6. In conclusion the following non predictable substance were found     to be compatible with Minocycline and Doxycycline:

TABLE 19 Summary of MCH and DOX compatibility studies Compatibility tested after the storage for up to 3 weeks Minocycline Doxycycline Doxycycline Ingredient HCL Hyclate Monohydrate Comments Cyclomethicone 5 NF Yes Yes Yes All compatible PPG-15 Stearyl Ether Yes Yes No Octyldodecanol Yes No No Mineral Oil Yes Yes Yes All compatible Propylene Glycol No No No Glycerol No No No PEG 200 No No No PEG 400 No No No MCT Oil Yes Yes No Diisopropyl adipate Yes Yes No Ethanol 95% No Yes No Isostearic acid No Yes Not tested Oleyl alcohol Yes Yes Not tested Steareth 20 (Polyoxyl 20 No No Not tested Stearyl Ether) Steareth 2(Polyoxyl 2 No No Not tested Stearyl Ether) Methyl glycose No Not tested Not tested sesquistearate (MGSS) Aluminum Starch Yes Not tested Not tested Octenylsuccinate(ASOS) Cetearyl octanoate Yes Yes Yes All compatible Hydrogenated Castor Oil Yes Yes Not tested Stearyl alcohol Yes Yes Not tested Myristyl alcohol Yes Yes Not tested Titanium Dioxide Yes Not tested Not tested PEG 40 stearate Yes No Not tested PEG 100 Stearate Yes Yes Not tested Sorbitan Monostearate Yes Yes Not tested Cocoglycerides Yes No Not tested Coconut Alcohol yes Not tested Not tested Hexylene glycol No Yes No Butylene glycol No No No Sorbitan Monolaurate No No No Dimethyl Isosorbide No No No Titanium dioxide Yes Not tested Not tested Methyl glycose No Not tested Not tested sesquistearate (MGSS) Aluminum Starch Yes Not tested Not tested Octenylsuccinate(ASOS) Coconut alcohol Yes Not tested Not tested

-   7. As could be seen from the Table 19 not all the compatible with     MCH ingredients are compatible with Doxycycline Hyclate or     Monohydrate. For example, octyldodecanol is compatible with     Minocycline HCl but revealed incompatibility with Doxycycline     Hyclate and Monohydrate. Surprisingly, there are discrepancies in     list of ingredients compatible with Doxycycline Hyclate and     Doxycycline Monohydrate: for example PPG-15 Stearyl Ether is     compatible with Doxycycline Hyclate and non compatible with     Doxycycline Monohydrate. -   8. The data presented herein could be used for selection of active     materials from tetracycline family for topical formulations. A list     of ingredients that were found to be compatible with MCH and DOX     could be applied to other antibiotics from the tetracycline family.     The following ingredients are suitable for topical formulations:     mineral oil, cyclomethicone, cetearyl octanoate. Few ingredients are     compatible with both forms of doxycycline and are also compatible     with monocycline.

Example 4 Various Comparative Examples of Doxycycline and Minocycline Formulations

The formulation of MCH072 is described in Table 20 below. Table 21 describes compositions that failed to provide foam of any quality.

TABLE 20 Formulation of MCH072 stock solution MCH072--stock solution chemical name PPG-15 Stearyl Ether 15.00 Octyldodecanol 12.00 Light mineral oil 55.50 Cyclomethicone 3.00 Glyceryl monostearate 6.00 Stearyl alcohol 6.00 Myristyl alcohol 2.50 Control: 100.00 propellant (1681) RESULTS FOAM foam quality G Color White Odor no odor shakability Good Collapse time (36 C.-sec.) 300/G bubble mean size (μm) 105.00 Bubbles above 500 μm (%) 0.00 PFF viscosity 5166.90 centrifugation (1K) separation

TABLE 21 Comparative compositions that do not provide foam of any quality EXA2 EXA3 EXA2 pressurized Pressurized pressurized with with with Hydrocarbon hydrocarbon fluorocarbon Caprylic/Capric 25.50 24.50 25.50 Triglyceride light Mineral Oil 8.00 11.00 8.00 Cyclomethicone 20.00 32.00 20.00 Beeswax 1.50 1.50 1.50 Sorbitan Monooleate (span 4.50 6.00 4.50 80) Hydrogenated Castor Oil 0.50 0.50 Zinc Oxide 40.00 40.00 Petrolatum (pioner 5464) 25.00 Control: 100.00 100.00 100.00 propellant (1681- 8.00 8.00 propane + butane + isobutane) Fluorocarbon Dymel 134 ap 15.00 RESULTS FOAM foam quality P P P Color white white white Odor no odor no odor no odor Shakability good good good Collapse time (RT-sec.) <20 <10 <20 PFF Viscosity 5934.00 1011.78 5934.00 centrifugation (1K) separation stable separation P = Poor

The EXA-based formulations broke down immediately and did not produce good foams. Changing the propellent did not help In contrast previous MCH-based formulations produced good quality foams which had a collapse time in excess of 4-5 minutes.

Additionally, the results with minocycline and doxycycline provide indications of stable formulations for topical administration of tetracycline antibiotics that may also include stable active ingredients.

Additional minocycline formulations are provided in the following Tables 22 to 25

TABLE 22 Additional formulations of Minocycline HCl foam PMCH001 PMCH002 PMCH003 PMCH004 PMCH005 PPG-15 Stearyl ether 5.00 50.00 84.32 Octyldodecanol 12.00 12.00 12.00 40.00 Light Mineral Oil 67.32 22.32 72.32 44.32 Glycerol Monostearate 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 Stearyl alcohol 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 Myristyl alcohol 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 Minocycline HCl 1.18 1.18 1.18 1.18 1.18 Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 Propellant (1681) 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 Results Viscosity 7934.31 12189.4 14412.92 10925.67 2783.41 Quality G G FG G FG to G Color slight slight slight slight slight yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow Odor no odor v.f.odor v.f.odor no odor no odor Shakability 2 2 2 2 2 collapse time 300/G >300/FG N/R >300/FG 180/FG Density 0.127 0.138 N/R 0.127 0.100 bubble size (μm) 96 88 405 100.00 186.00 bubble size (above 500 μm) 0 0 26.9 0.00 3.30 G = Good; FG = Fairly Good Comments:

The influence of PPG-15 Stearyl ether concentrations foam quality was tested in formulations PMCH-001 to PMCH-003. The study revealed that at concentration of around 80% w/w foam quality failed down from good to fairly good.

Formulation showed good foam quality without PPG-15 stearyl ether and minimal concentration of octyldodecanol (see examples PMCH 004 and 005).

This result means that we can produce high quality foam without PPG-15 Stearyl ether.

Manufacturing Procedure for PMCH001 to PMCH 018 formulations

Heat all ingredients to 70° C. to complete dissolution.

Cool to 25° C. Add Minocycline by continuous stirring.

TABLE 23 Additional formulations of Minocycline HCl foam (Continued) PMCH006 PMCH007 PMCH008 PMCH009 PMCH010 PMCH011 PPG-15 Stearyl 12.00 12.00 ether Octyldodecanol 5.00 50.00 84.32 12.00 12.00 Oleyl alcohol 5.00 50.00 84.32 Light Mineral Oil 67.32 22.32 67.32 22.32 Glycerol 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 Monostearate Stearyl alcohol 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 Myristyl alcohol 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 Minocycline HCl 1.18 1.18 1.18 1.18 1.18 1.18 Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 Propellant (1681) 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 Results Viscosity 4335.07 5102.91 5582.81 5422.84 1985.57 668.86 Quality G G F G FG P Color slight slight slight slight slight slight yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow yellow Odor no odor no odor no odor no odor no odor no odor Shakability 2 2 2 2 2 2 collapse time >300/G 300/FG N/R >300/FG N/R N/R Density 0.137 0.151 N/R 0.103 N/R N/R bubble size (μm) 180.00 185.00 N/R 142 212 N/R bubble size 0.00 3.60 0 7.1 (above 500 μm) G = Good; FG = Fairly Good; F = Fair; P = Poor Comments:

The same conclusion as was previously made regarding PPG-15 stearyl ether could be applied regarding the influence of octyldodecanol concentration on MCH foam quality namely: high concentration of octyldodecanol reduces foam quality. Addition of oleyl alcohol in substantial amounts reduced the foam quality.

TABLE 24 Additional formulations of Minocycline HCl foam PMCH012 PMCH013 PMCH014 PMCH015 PPG-15 Stearyl 15.00 15.00 ether Octyldodecanol 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 Oleyl alcohol 67.32 22.32 Cyclomethicone 5.00 50.00 3.00 3.00 Jojoba oil 54.32 Peppermint oil 54.32 Glycerol 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 Monostearate Stearyl alcohol 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 Myristyl alcohol 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 Minocycline HCl 1.18 1.18 1.18 1.18 Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 Propellant 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 (1681) Results Viscosity 139.97 5454.84 8030.23 221.95 Quality F FG G P Color slight slight slight slight yellow yellow yellow yellow Odor no odor no odor no odor menta Shakability 2 2 2 2 collapse time N/R N/R Density N/R N/R N/R N/R bubble size (μm) 148 N/R 55 bubble size 3.8 0 (above 500 μm) G = Good; FG = Fairly Good; F = Fair; P = Poor Comments:

High concentrations of cyclomethicone destroyed the foam.

Addition of therapeutic oils like jojoba oil revealed good foam quality. Addition of peppermint oil totally destroyed the foam (see formulations PMCH014 and 015)

TABLE 24A Additional formulations of Minocycline HCl foam PMCH016- PMCH016- PMCH016 PMCH016 Placebo (1% API) (5% API) (10% API) PPG-15 Stearyl 15.00 15.00 14.25 13.50 ether Octyldodecanol 12.00 12.00 11.41 10.80 Oleyl alcohol 55.50 54.30 52.73 49.95 Cyclomethicone 3.00 3.00 2.85 2.70 Glycerol 6.00 6.00 5.70 5.40 Monostearate Stearyl alcohol 6.00 6.00 5.70 5.40 Myristyl alcohol 2.50 2.50 2.38 2.25 Minocycline HCl 1.18 5.00 10.00 Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 Propellant (1681) 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 Results Viscosity 48.99 127.97 6670.58 424.91 Quality FG P FG FG Color white slight yellow yellow yellow Odor no odor v.f.odor v.f.odor v.f.odor Shakability 2 2 2 2 collapse time N/R N/R N/R N/R Density N/R N/R N/R N/R G = Good; FG = Fairly Good; F = Fair; P = Poor

TABLE 25 Additional formulations of Minocycline HCl foam PMCH017- PMCH017 PMCH017 PMCH017 Placebo (1% API) (5% API) (10% API) PPG-15 Stearyl 15.00 14.82 14.25 13.50 ether Octyldodecanol 12.00 11.86 11.40 10.80 Cyclomethicone 3.00 2.96 2.85 2.70 Light Mineral Oil 55.50 54.85 52.72 49.95 Glycerol 6.00 5.93 5.70 5.40 Monostearate Stearyl alcohol 6.00 5.93 5.70 5.40 Myristyl alcohol 2.50 2.47 2.38 2.25 Minocycline HCl 1.18 5.00 10.00 Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 Propellant 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 (1681) Results Viscosity 7630.37 2543.45 7918.31 2703.42 Quality G G G G Color white slight yellow yellow yellow Odor no odor no odor no odor no odor Shakability 2 2 2 2 collapse time 190/F 240/F 300/FG >300/FG Density 0.077 0.117 0.120 0.143 G = Good; FG = Fairly Good; F = Fair; P = Poor Comments:

Impact of various concentrations of Minocycline HCl on foam quality was tested in formulations PMCH-016 (1% API); (5% API), (10% API). Addition of higher concentration of Minocycline HCl to placebo formulation did not improve the foam quality.

Formulations PMCH 017 (1% API), (5% API), (10% API) revealed good foam quality as well as placebo PMCH017.

All the formulations herein, which were found to be useful carriers for doxycycline or minocycline can be usefully used as carriers for other active agents. In some embodiments the active agents may be sensitive and in other embodiments they may be non sensitive, In certain embodiments they are insoluble and in certain other embodiments they are soluble. By way of a non limiting Example both the minocycline formulation MCH-072 and the parallel doxycycline formulation DOX-033, which were found to be compatible with all of Minocycline HCL (MCH), Doxycycline Hyclate or Doxycycline Monohydrate (DOX) have also been shown above to be a useful carrier with clindamycin phosphate, pimecrolimus, and diclofenac potassium, Calcipotriol, vitamin A acetate, Betamethasone 17-valerate, Ciclopiroxolamine, Benzoyl Peroxide and Coal Tar Extract (ethanol). It follows that other similar formulations based on an oil/silicone/surfactant composition will also provide excellent carriers for these and other active agents.

Example 5 Hydration Studies

The hydration effect of Placebo PMCH017 formulation was tested on healthy volunteers by corneometer. The market anti acne product PanOxyl and moisturizer Cetaphil cream were tested for comparison. The Placebo formulation without any active hydration agent was found to improve hydration of the skin by about 5% and did not cause a skin drying effect observed with the PanOxyl cream.

General Study Design

Healthy subjects received one treatment of each of the study medications and reference products (as applicable) and were followed up to determine the levels of skin hydration using the Corneometer® CM 825 instrument. (Courage+Khazaka, Germany).

Study Flow Chart

Study Activity Baseline* 1 hour 3 hours 6 hours Application of the test prepara- x tions Assessment of skin hydration x X X X *Before treatment

Study Procedures

-   -   a. Subjects were presented on the day of the study one hour         ahead of the study initiation.     -   b. The subjects were accommodated in a calm, quiet, temperature         controlled room (20-24° C.) and pleasant surroundings.     -   c. Subjects were wash their forearms with water (no soap) and         were dry the forearms with dry paper towel.     -   d. Application sites were marked according to one of the         following options:         -   i. Four squares, 4 cm×4 cm (16 cm2) were drawn symmetrically             on the forearms of each subject (2 areas on each forearms).             Areas were numbered from 1 to 4. One for each study             formulation and one for the no-treatment (control).

The formulations were named with letters from B to D (PMCH017P-080113, Cetaphil, PanOxyl) and A (for control).

-   -   e. Each study formulation, as well as control products and         “no-treatment” were randomly assigned to the treatment sites         according to a randomization list, provided by the study         statistician.     -   f. The treatments on each square were blind for the study         operator.     -   g. An amount between 40 mg (2.5 mg/cm2) of each of the study         formulation, were applied evenly on the treatment sites         according to a randomization list     -   h. Skin hydration level were assessed at baseline (at least 15         minutes after each subject washed their forearms), using the         Corneometer® CM 825, and then 1 hour, 3 hours and 6 hours after         the application. Three repeated measurements were recorded at         each time point. Results are shown in FIG. 1.

PanOxyl List contains: 5% Benzoyl Peroxide in o/w emulsion.

Cetaphil contains: water, cetyl alcohol, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate, stearyl alcohol, methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben.

It is appreciated that certain features, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. Although the present disclosure has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A topical composition comprising a foamable pharmaceutical composition and a propellant, the foamable pharmaceutical composition comprising: a) an unstable active agent; b) at least one emollient; or at least one liquid oil; or a combination of at least one emollient and at least one liquid oil; c) at least one surfactant, wherein the surfactant comprises a fatty acid ester having a C8-C24 hydrocarbon chain; and d) optionally at least one foam adjuvant; wherein each component is compatible with the unstable active agent present in the composition; wherein the composition is free of one or more of PPG-15 stearyl ether, octyldodecanol, ethanol propylene glycol, glycerol, PEG 200, PEG 400, MCT oil, isostearic acid, polyoxyl 20 stearyl ether, polyoxyl 2 stearyl ether, methyl glycose sesquistearate, PEG 40 stearate, cocoglycerides, hexylene glycol, butylene glycol, sorbitan monolaurate, and dimethyl isosorbide, wherein the composition comprises less than about 2% by weight of the foamable pharmaceutical composition of water; and wherein at least 90% by mass of the unstable active agent is present in the foamable pharmaceutical composition when stored for 72 hours at 25° C. after mixing with the pharmaceutical composition.
 2. The topical composition of claim 1, wherein the unstable active agent is a tetracycline antibiotic; wherein at least 90% by mass of the tetracycline antibiotic is present in the foamable pharmaceutical composition when stored for 72 hours at 25° C. after mixing with the pharmaceutical composition.
 3. The composition of claim 2, wherein the weight ratio of the foamable pharmaceutical composition to the propellant is about 100:3 to about 100:35.
 4. The topical composition of claim 2, wherein the emollient is selected from the group consisting of PPG-15 stearyl ether, octyldodecanol, diisopropyl adipate isostearic acid, cetearyl octanoate, and mixtures of any two or more thereof.
 5. The topical composition of claim 2, wherein the liquid oil is selected from the group consisting of a plant-based oil, a mineral oil, a triglyceride, an essential oil, a light mineral oil, a MCT oil, a jojoba oil, a peppermint oil, and mixtures of any two or more thereof.
 6. The topical composition of claim 2, wherein the fatty acid ester having a C8-C24 hydrocarbon chain is selected from the group consisting of a stearic acid ester, a monoglyceride, a diglyceride, glycerol monostearate, sorbitan monostearate, PEG 40 stearate, PEG 100 stearate, and mixtures of any two or more thereof.
 7. The topical composition of claim 2, wherein the foam adjuvant is selected from the group consisting of a fatty alcohol, a C14-C18 fatty alcohol, oleyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, a fatty acid, cocoglycerides, and mixtures of any two or more thereof.
 8. The topical composition of claim 2, wherein the tetracycline antibiotic is selected from the group consisting of a minocycline, a doxycycline, minocycline hydrochloride, doxycycline hyclate, doxycycline monohydrate, and mixtures of any two or more thereof.
 9. The topical composition of claim 2 further comprising at least one of aluminum starch octenyl succinate, titanium dioxide, coconut alcohol, and hexylene glycol.
 10. The topical composition of claim 2, wherein chemical stability is determined by observing a color change in the foamable pharmaceutical composition.
 11. The topical composition of claim 2 comprising: a) about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of the foamable pharmaceutical composition of minocycline hydrochloride; b) about 60% to about 95% by weight of the foamable pharmaceutical composition of: at least one emollient selected from the group consisting of PPG-15 stearyl ether, octyldodecanol, diisopropyl adipate, and cetearyl octanoate; or at least one oil selected from the group consisting of a light mineral oil, a MCT oil, a jojoba oil, and a peppermint oil; or a combination of said at least one emollient and said at least one oil; c) about 0.01% to about 15% by weight of the foamable pharmaceutical composition of at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of a stearic acid ester, a monoglyceride, a diglyceride, glycerol monostearate, sorbitan monostearate, PEG 40 stearate and PEG 100 stearate; and d) optionally 0% to about 10% by weight of the foamable pharmaceutical composition of at least one foam adjuvant comprising a fatty alcohol and or cocoglycerides, wherein the fatty alcohol is selected from the group consisting of oleyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol and myristyl alcohol; wherein each component is compatible with minocycline hydrochloride; wherein the composition is free of propylene glycol, glycerol, PEG 200, PEG 400, ethanol, isostearic acid, polyoxyl 20 stearyl ether, polyoxyl 2 stearyl ether, methyl glucose sesquistearate, hexylene glycol, butylene glycol, sorbitan monolaurate, and dimethyl isosorbide; and wherein the weight ratio of the foamable pharmaceutical composition to the propellant is about 100:3 to about 100:35.
 12. The topical composition of claim 11, wherein less than about 1% by mass of a 4-epiminocycline is measured when the foamable pharmaceutical composition is stored for 72 hours at 25° C. compared to time
 0. 13. The topical composition of claim 2 comprising either A): a) about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of the foamable pharmaceutical composition of doxycycline hyclate or doxycycline monohydrate; b) about 60% to about 95% by weight of the foamable pharmaceutical composition of: at least one emollient selected from the group consisting of PPG-15 stearyl ether, diisopropyl adipate, and cetearyl octanoate; or at least one oil selected from the group consisting of a mineral oil and a MCT oil; or a combination of said at least one emollient and said at least one oil; c) about 0.01% to about 15% by weight of the foamable pharmaceutical composition of at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of a stearic acid ester, a monoglyceride, a diglyceride, glycerol monostearate, sorbitan monostearate, hydrogenated castor oil, and PEG 100 stearate; and d) optionally 0% to about 10% by weight of the foamable pharmaceutical composition of at least one foam adjuvant comprising a fatty alcohol and or a fatty acid selected from the group consisting of stearyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, isostearic acid and myristyl alcohol; or B): a) about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of the foamable pharmaceutical composition of doxycycline hyclate or doxycycline monohydrate; b) about 60% to about 95% by weight of the foamable pharmaceutical composition of: at least one emollient selected from the group consisting of cetearyl octanoate, PPG-15 stearyl ether, propylene glycol, diisopropyl adipate, and isostearic acid; or at least one oil selected from the group consisting of light mineral oil, MCT oil, and hydrogenated castor oil; or a combination of said at least one emollient and said at least one oil; c) about 0.01% to about 15% by weight of the foamable pharmaceutical composition of at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of a stearic acid ester, a monoglyceride, a diglyceride, glycerol monostearate, sorbitan monostearate, PEG 40 stearate, and PEG 100 stearate; and d) about 1% to about 10% by weight of the foamable pharmaceutical composition of at least one foam adjuvant comprising a fatty alcohol and or fatty acid selected from the group consisting of oleyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol and stearic acid; wherein each component is compatible with doxycycline hyclate or doxycycline monohydrate; wherein the composition is free of octyldodecanol, propylene glycol, glycerol, PEG 200, PEG 400, butylene glycol, sorbitan monolaurate, and dimethyl isosorbide; and wherein the weight ratio of the foamable pharmaceutical composition to the propellant is about 100:3 to about 100:35.
 14. The topical composition of claim 2 further comprising about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the foamable pharmaceutical composition of a silicone oil or a cyclomethicone.
 15. The topical composition of claim 2, wherein the tetracycline antibiotic is chemically stable in the foamable pharmaceutical composition, wherein at least 90% by mass of the tetracycline antibiotic is present in the foamable pharmaceutical composition when stored for about 3 weeks, wherein chemical stability is determined by measuring mass of the tetracycline antibiotic at three weeks compared to time
 0. 16. The topical tetracycline antibiotic composition of claim 2 further comprising at least one tetracycline-compatible additional active agent.
 17. A method of treating a bacterial infection or post-surgical adhesions, the method comprising topically administering the topical composition of claim 2 to a subject in need of treatment, wherein the topical composition is administered to one or more of skin, face, a mucosal membrane, a body cavity, the nose, the mouth, the eye, the ear canal, the respiratory system, the vagina, the rectum or a surgical site of the subject.
 18. A method of treating a bacterial infection, the method comprising administering the topical composition of claim 11 to a subject in need of treatment, wherein the topical composition is administered topically to one or more of skin, a mucosal membrane, or a body cavity of the subject.
 19. A method of treating a bacterial infection, the method comprising administering the topical composition of claim 13 to a subject in need of treatment, wherein the topical composition is administered topically to one or more of skin, a mucosal membrane, or a body cavity of the subject.
 20. The topical composition of claim 2, wherein at least 90% by mass of the tetracycline antibiotic is present in the foamable pharmaceutical composition when stored for 72 hours at 40° C. after mixing with the pharmaceutical composition, wherein chemical stability is determined by measuring mass of the tetracycline antibiotic at 72 hours compared to time
 0. 21. The topical composition of claim 1, wherein said unstable active agent is a water sensitive agent, an ester or amide prone to hydrolysis by water, an agent sensitive to free radical attack or oxidation, or sensitive to a specific pH level.
 22. The topical composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is free of PPG-15 stearyl ether, octyldodecanol, MCT oil, isostearic acid, PEG 40 stearate, and cocoglycerides.
 23. The topical composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is free of PPG-15 stearyl ether, MCT oil, isostearic acid, PEG 40 stearate, cocoglycerides and hexylene glycol.
 24. The topical composition of claim 2, wherein the emollient is selected from the group consisting of diisopropyl adipate, cetearyl octanoate, and mixtures thereof.
 25. The topical composition of claim 2, wherein the liquid oil is selected from the group consisting of a plant-based oil, a mineral oil, a triglyceride, an essential oil, a light mineral oil, jojoba oil, a peppermint oil, and mixtures of any two or more thereof. 